Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption to play in the 124th US Open the USGA has announced.
Woods had failed to qualify for the US Open for the first time in his professional career, having played a limited schedule in recent years due to injury which has seen his world ranking drop to 789.
The former world No.1’s five-year exemption for his 2019 victory at The Masters ended earlier this year, with the US Open differing from the other majors in that it only brings a 10-year exemption to its former winners.
Woods has won the US Open three times – 2000, 2002 and 2008 – with the 48-year-old set to return to the event for the first time since 2020 when it takes place from June 13-16 at Pinehurst No.2.
“The US Open is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” Woods said. “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.”
Woods finished second to Michael Campbell the last time the US Open was held at the Pinehurst Resort in 2005, with this year’s event set to be his 23rd career start at the third major of the year.
“The story of the US Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer.
