Tiger Woods 'honoured' to receive special exemption into US Open
Tiger Woods accepts a special invite to compete in the 124th US Open at Pinehurst in June.
Tiger Woods admits he is 'honoured' to receive a special exemption into the US Open at Pinehurst from 13-16 June.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon.
Woods, 48, was reliant on a special invite to compete in this year's US Open as a result of his five-year major championship exemption for winning the 2019 Masters running out.
It marks the first time in Woods' career where he has had to rely on a special exemption to compete in the US Open.
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Woods will now make his 23rd start at the US Open, his third at Pinehurst No.2 and his first since 2020 at Winged Foot GC.
The 15-time major champion has won the US Open three times (2000, 2002 and 2008).
Woods said:
"The US 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 US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game.”
USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer said:
"The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods.
"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, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee."
Woods played in The Masters last month but went on to finish in solo 60th, which was last of those that made the cut.
He lies 789th in the OWGR right now.
Woods admitted earlier this week he will attempt to play in the remaining three majors of the season.
LIV Golf's Talor Gooch had a blunt two-word response when asked if he was going to attempt US Open qualifying earlier today.
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