PGA Tour fans are left bitterly disappointed as Tiger Woods is set to miss the Memorial Tournament this week. The full field for the prestigious event at Muirfield Village was confirmed on Sunday evening, shortly after an emotional Robert MacIntyre claimed the RBC Canadian Open.
Woods, unsurprisingly, was not listed among the competitors for the tournament, despite recent speculation. Last week, the official Memorial Tournament account on X posted an emoji, sparking rumors that the 15-time major champion might participate. Woods had previously expressed a desire to play more professional golf between major championships after missing the cut at the 2024 PGA Championship.
https://x.com/PGATOURComms/status/1797441184106991954?t=NWAl7nrIJ9SUgeOOAskF1Q&s=19
However, the excitement was actually about Scottie Scheffler’s inclusion in the tournament, which is hosted annually by Jack Nicklaus. Sweden’s Alex Noren received the final sponsor exemption into the Memorial, joining Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, and Billy Horschel. This decision has upset some golf fans.
Tiger Woods’ fans will next see him in action at the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2. Woods accepted a special exemption to play, having failed to qualify for the major for the first time in his career. His five-year exemption into the U.S. Open, earned from his dramatic 2019 Masters victory, expired earlier this year. Woods, a three-time U.S. Open champion (2000, 2002, and 2008), last competed in the tournament in 2020.
Reflecting on his exemption, Woods said, “The U.S. 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 to compete in this year’s U.S. Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game.”
The 2024 U.S. Open will be held from June 13-16.