Tiger Woods CONFIRMS U.S. Open Appearance with Special Exemption from USGA

Tiger Woods has won the U.S. Open three times, and thanks to a special exemption from the United States Golf Association (USGA), he will get to go after his fourth title.

The USGA announced today that it offered Woods a special exemption to play the 124th U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst No. 2 from June 13-16.

Woods accepted the offer, and commented on his opportunity:

“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.”

Woods has 15 Major Championships under his illustrious and legendary career, only three shy of Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18. 

13 years ago today, Tiger Woods wins the US Open defeating Rocco Mediate with a torn ACL and a stress fracture @betthegreens
pic.twitter.com/VutAfTtBGk

— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) June 16, 2021

Due to his injuries over the past several years, Woods has only competed in a handful of tournaments, including Major Championships and his Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

However, the USGA did not think twice about offering Woods an invitation, according to USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer:

“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 is set to play in all four Majors this year. He finished 60th at The Masters in April.

Cover Image via Golf Digest