Tiger Woods granted exemption so he can play at the US Open

Tiger Woods is set to make a monumental return to the US Open next month, marking his first appearance in the championship since 2020. Despite failing to qualify automatically for the event for the first time since 1992, the 15-time major winner has been granted a special invitation to compete after his five-year exemption for winning the 2019 Masters expired.

The decision to invite Woods comes as no surprise given his legendary status in the game, highlighted by iconic victories at the US Open, including his dominant 15-stroke triumph at Pebble Beach in 2000 and his unforgettable win on a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008. Additionally, Woods claimed victory in 2002, further solidifying his legacy in the tournament.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to compete at Pinehurst in June, the 48-year-old stated, “The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career.” He added, “I’m honored 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.”

USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer emphasized the significance of Woods’s presence, stating, “The story of the US Open could not be written without Tiger Woods. 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.”

Despite concerns about his health following his withdrawal from Augusta last year due to injury, Woods remains determined to play all four majors this golf season. He affirmed his commitment to the upcoming tournaments, expressing his eagerness to compete at the highest level once again. Reflecting on his recent performance at The Masters, Woods admitted to feeling sore but remains optimistic about his prospects for the upcoming events.

Having played sparingly since his injury setback, Woods outlined his plan to maintain a consistent schedule, aiming to compete in at least one tournament per month this year. With the US Open invitation secured, Woods sets his sights on the PGA Championship in May and the British Open in July, hoping to make a significant impact on the golfing world once again.