Tiger Woods granted special US Open exemption

To the surprise of absolutely no-one, Tiger Woods has been given a special exemption into next month’s US Open.

The 15-time major champion joins the field for the 124th edition of the championship taking place at Pinehurst from June 13-16.

This is just the eighth special exemption the USGA has given since 2010. Phil Mickelson was the most recent recipient in 2021 but won the US PGA Championship the following week, meaning he didn’t require it in the end.

A three-time winner of the event – in 2000, 2002 and 2008 – Woods’ five-year exemption into the US Open for winning the Masters in 2019 expired last year.

The 48-year-old hasn’t played in the event since 2020.

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

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

This year will mark Woods’ 23rd US Open appearance and his third at Pinehurst. He was the runner-up to Michael Campbell there in 2005.

“The story of the US Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer.

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“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.

“His accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee.”

Woods has made only two starts so far in 2024. Illness forced him to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational in February before finishing 60th at The Masters last month. In doing so, he set a new record for the most consecutive cuts made in the opening men’s major of the year.

His next appearance is likely to come in the US PGA Championship at Valhalla in two week’s time.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor