Tiger Woods gets US Open payout despite missing the cut at Pinehurst, unusual tradition reveals

TIGER WOODS will win a share of the US Open prize money despite losing the contest.

The golf legend finished his second round with a score of seven over par, then missed the cut by two strokes.

But a rule change at the US Open means Woods is set to cash in – along with everyone else in the tournament.

All 156 players competing at Pinehurst are guaranteed at least £7,800 even if they miss the cut.

As a result, the US Open prize pool increased by around £1.2 million to a staggering £17 million.

While the winner will receive £3.3 million – a £300,000 increase on last year.

Woods, 48, has struggled to maintain form this year after also missing out on qualifying in this year’s two previous majors – the Masters and the PGA Championship.

The three-time US Open champion failed to qualify for this tournament on merit for the first time in his career, meaning he needed a special exemption from the United States Golf Association.

However, he is not guaranteed a place in next year’s competition, so Woods has not ruled out this participation being his last.

He said: “As for my last Open or US Open, I don’t know what it is.

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“It’s one of those things where, to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut.

“I can’t win the tournament where I’m at, so it’s certainly frustrating.

“I thought I played well enough to be in contention. It just didn’t work out.

“That was probably the best score I could have had today.

“I only have one more tournament this season. I don’t think that even if I win the British Open, I won’t be in the PGA Tour play-offs.

“Just one more event and I’ll be back whenever I come back.”