Tiger Woods’ Special Exemption to Compete in 124th U.S. Open Marks a Return to Majors

Tiger Woods has been granted a special exemption to compete in the 124th U.S. Open, which will be held from June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2. This marks the first special exemption offered by the USGA since Phil Mickelson in 2021.

Woods, a three-time U.S. Open champion, accepted the exemption offered by the USGA after his previous exemption from his 2019 Masters win expired. With nine total USGA titles, Woods is set to make his 23rd career appearance in the national championship. His last U.S. Open top-10 finish was in 2010 at Pebble Beach, where he tied for fourth place. In his most recent major start at the Masters Tournament, Woods finished in 60th place.

John Bodenhamer, the USGA Chief Championships Officer, acknowledged Woods’ significant contributions to the U.S. Open, from his dominating victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring win at Torrey Pines in 2008. Bodenhamer stated that the championship is enriched when Woods is in the field and that granting him a special exemption was an easy decision for the committee considering his health issues but determination to compete this year’s tournament despite these challenges.

Woods expressed his excitement and gratitude for this opportunity to compete in this year’s U.S