Tiger Woods Receives Special Exemption to Compete in 2024 US Open at Pinehurst

The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced on Thursday that it has granted 15-time major champion Tiger Woods a special exemption to participate in the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Woods, who has accepted the invitation, will make his 23rd career start in the national championship from June 13-16.

Woods' exemption into theus, openhad lapsed in 2023 following the expiration of his five-year exemption for winning the 2019 Masters. Without the special exemption, the 48-year-old would have been required to earn his way into the field through qualifying, a potentially difficult task given his limited playing schedule on account of injuries in recent years.

The decision to grant Woods a special exemption marks only the second time in the last five years that the USGA has used this provision to allow a player entry into theus, open. In a press release, Woods expressed his appreciation and enthusiasm, saying, "The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career. I'm honored to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity toplay, us, open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game."

John Bodenhamer, the USGA's chief championships officer, emphasized Woods' significance to the tournament, stating, "The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods. 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 boasts an impressive record in USGA championships, having won nine titles, including three US Open victories in 2000, 2002, and 2008. He has also claimed three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur Championships (1991-1993) and three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships (1994-1996), showcasing his dominance at both the junior and play, us, open, given, feature levels.

The 2024 US Open will mark the first time Woods has needed a special exemption to compete in the event since his debut as an amateur at Shinnecock Hills in 1995. He last played in the US Open in 2020, missing the cut at Winged Foot Golf Club.

With this exemption, Woods joins an elite group of golfers who have received special exemptions from the USGA, including Jack Nicklaus (seven times), Arnold Palmer (five times), and Tom Watson (five times). While Woods holds lifetime exemptions into the Masters and PGA Championship as a past champion and can play in the open Championship until age 60, his five-year exemption into the US Open from his 2019 Masters victory expired last year.

The news of Woods' exemption comes as he continues his comeback from severe leg injuries sustained in a car accident in February 2021. The golfing icon has made sporadic appearances on the PGA Tour since then, with his most recent full tournament being the Masters last month, where he finished 60th. Woods has announced his intention to open in all four majors this year, health permitting.

The golfing world eagerly awaits the 2024 US Open, with the presence of Tiger Woods at Pinehurst No. 2 poised to inject an additional layer of thrill and nostalgia into the championship. The golfing world eagerly awaits the 2024 US Open, with the presence of Tiger Woods at Pinehurst No. 2 poised to inject an extra layer of anticipation and nostalgia into the championship. With his unparalleled record and enduring popularity, Woods' participation will undoubtedly draw significant attention and further cement his status as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the game.

Key Takeaways

• Tiger Woods granted special exemption to play in 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
• This marks Woods' 23rd career start in the national championship.
• Woods' exemption lapsed in 2023 after his 5-year exemption for winning 2019 Masters expired.
• Woods has won 3 US Open titles (2000, 2002, 2008) and 9 USGA championships overall.
• Woods aims to play in all 4 majors in 2024, health permitting, after recovering from leg injuries.