Tiger Woods will play in US Open after accepting special exemption for first time in 28-year career

TIGER WOODS will be able to compete in next month’s US Open, it has been announced.

Golf legend Woods has revealed that he has received and accepted a special exemption for the 124th US Open, to be played between June 13 and 16.

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Woods, 48, failed to qualify for the US Open for the first time in his career.

His Masters win in 2019 gave him a five-year tournament exemption, but that expired earlier this year.

However, he was approved for the tournament by the United States Golf Association (USGA).

It is the first special exemption the agency has granted since Phil Mickelson in 2021.

Regarding the exemption, Woods said: “The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that helped define my career.

“I am honored to receive this exemption and could not be more excited about the opportunity to compete in this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the sport.”

Woods won the 2000, 2002 and 2008 editions of the US Open and is now in line to make his 23rd appearance, and third at Pinehurst No2, provided he remains healthy enough to do so.

He has been battling injuries for some time, most recently undergoing subtalar fusion surgery in April 2023.

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USGA chief John Bodenhamer said: “US Open history could not be written without Tiger Woods.

“From his 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring victory over a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is simply better when Tiger is on the field, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee.”

Woods has nine overall USGA titles, matched only by Bobby Jones, as well as 15 major championship victories, which puts him second overall behind Jack Nicklaus.

In total, the American has 82 PGA Tour titles to his name.

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