Tiger Woods decides whether to play at US Open after receiving special invite

Golf legend Tiger Woods will compete at this year's U.S. Open after receiving a special exemption alongside other players ahead of June's tournament at Pinehurst No. 2

By: irishmirror.ie

May 02 2024
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Tiger Woods decides whether to

Tiger Woods will play the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst after receiving a special exemption from the USGA to join the field after previously not being eligible.

The 15-time major winner's five-year exemption for winning the 2019 Masters ran out this year. "The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career," Woods said in a statement.

"I'm honored to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete in this year's U.S. Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game."

Woods isn't the only legend to be given an exemption by the USGA. Jack Nicklaus (seven times), Arnold Palmer (five times), and Tom Watson have also been handed the right to enter this year's tournament. The 2024 U.S. Open will be held June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2, giving Woods, who finished 60th at last month's Masters, just over a month to prepare.

The 48-year-old had hoped to compete in a tournament a month ago, only to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational earlier this year, followed by not competing at the Houston Open. The U.S. Open, a competition Woods won three times in 2000, 2002, and 2008, will provide the golf icon with a shot at getting his year back on track.

"The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods," USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer added. "From his 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring win on a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is simply better when Tiger is in the field, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee."

Woods ' comeback to golf has been staggered since his 2021 near-fatal crash. His right leg, in particular, is still suffering today, and it is affecting his rotation. He won't be competing against his son, Charlie, either after the 15-year-old missed out on U.S. Open qualification.

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Woods is a three-time U.S. Open winner (Image: Getty)

The teenager carded an eight-over-par 81 in Florida late last month. Charlie was hoping to bank his first major championship start at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club, but failed to make his mark on the leaderboard.

Woods' daughter Sam doesn't have the same enthusiasm as her brother for golf. In an interview with the TODAY Show, Tiger explained why his daughter has no interest in pursuing golf.

"She has a, I think, a negative connotation to the game because at that time, when she was growing up, golf took daddy away from her. I had to pack and I had to leave and I had to be gone for weeks and there's still a negative connotation to it.," Woods explained.