Tiger Woods Accepts Special Exemption for 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst

Golf fans, brace yourselves! The legend, Tiger Woods, will be making a spectacular return to the U.S. Open in 2024, thanks to a special exemption that has the golf world buzzing. After a gap year where he wasn’t eligible for automatic entry, the USGA has handed Woods this golden ticket, and he’s set to compete at the iconic Pinehurst No. 2.

Tiger Woods promised for years that he would never be the guy who accepts special exemptions into Major Championships.

Of course, Woods only said that because he never expected to actually need one to compete in the US Open at age 48.

Yet, here we are. pic.twitter.com/I8xnhoveAo

— LIV Golf Nation (@LIVGolfNation) May 2, 2024

Tiger Woods to play at Pinehurst 🐅

The 3 time US Open Champion has been given special exemption by the USGA to feature at this years major championship.#tiger #tigerwoods #usopen #major #majorchampionship #golf #golfer #golfing #golflife #lovegolf #everythinggolf pic.twitter.com/eiZpl3QEgZ

— Discount Golf Store (@Centre_Golf) May 3, 2024

BREAKING: 🚨 Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption into the 124th US Open at Pinehurst next month 🏌️ pic.twitter.com/XczLlYzDpq

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 2, 2024

For those newer to the golf scene, Tiger’s history with the U.S. Open is nothing short of legendary. He’s a three-time champion of the event, capturing titles in 2000, 2002, and 2008. But what makes this year’s entry so poignant is that it marks the first time since 1995 that Tiger hasn’t been exempt from qualifying on his own merits. Reflecting on his inclusion, Tiger noted, “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 this year.”

Pinehurst No. 2 holds special memories for Woods. He came agonizingly close to winning here in 1999 and 2005, finishes that no doubt left him hungry for a victory on this storied course. The course itself is a crown jewel in golf, known for its challenging layout and storied past, making it a fitting stage for Tiger’s latest U.S. Open chapter.

Woods joins an illustrious group of golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, who have also received special exemptions from the USGA. It’s a nod to his impact on the sport and his status as a fan favorite. Despite injuries and surgeries that have peppered his recent years, Tiger’s resolve remains unshaken. Just last month at the Masters, he showed glimpses of the old magic, and now, with a spot at Pinehurst, he’s gearing up for a full season of majors.

As the U.S. Open approaches, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods. His presence not only elevates the tournament but also reignites excitement among fans and fellow competitors. Will Pinehurst witness another historic moment from Tiger? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the story of this U.S. Open couldn’t be written without him. Get ready, golf lovers, because Tiger is back and he’s ready to roar!