Tiger to play U.S. Open as special exemption

Tiger Woods will play in the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst as a special exemption, the USGA announced Thursday.

Woods required a special entry for the tournament because his five-year exemption from winning The Masters in 2019 expired last year. The last time the USGA granted a player special exemption into the U.S. Open was for Phil Mickelson in 2021.

Tiger has won the U.S. Open three times in his career in 2000, 2002, and 2008.

"The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career," Woods said. "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."

Pinehurst has hosted the U.S. Open on three previous occasions - 1999, 2005, and 2014. Woods finished T3 in 1999, second in 2005, and missed the tournament in 2014 while recovering from back surgery.

Tiger last played in a U.S. Open in 2020 at Winged Foot, where he missed the cut. His last top-10 finish at a U.S. Open was in 2010 at Pebble Beach, where he tied for fourth.

The 48-year-old has appeared in just two tournaments in 2024. He withdrew from The Genesis Invitational in February and finished 60th at The Masters in April. Woods is expected to play at the PGA Championship at Valhalla in May.

"The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods," USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer said. "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."

The 2024 U.S. Open begins June 13.