This year’s U.S. Open is gearing up to be a memorable affair as three-time champion Tiger Woods secures a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The 124th U.S. Open, set to start in June, will take place at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 in Pinehurst, N.C.
48 years old, Tiger Woods boasts an impressive track record, having clinched three U.S. Open Championships in 2000, 2002, and 2008, alongside numerous 12 other major titles and a total of 82 PGA Tour wins throughout his career.
Woods received a special exemption from the USGA to participate in the 2024 U.S. Open after his previous five-year exemption.
Expressing his excitement, Woods stated, “The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event and has helped define my career.” He added that he is honoured to receive the exemption and looks forward to competing at Pinehurst.
Having recently made his 24th consecutive cut at the Masters in April, Woods is also slated to play in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, where he claimed victory in 2000. With lifetime exemptions for the Masters and the PGA Championship, and eligibility to compete in the Open Championship until age 60, Woods remains a formidable presence in the golfing world.
Despite never clinching a victory at Pinehurst, Woods will join the ranks of the world’s best players at the U.S. Open in June. USGA Chief Championship Officer “John Bodenhamer” emphasized Woods’s significance to the tournament, stating, “The story of the U.S. Open cannot be written without Tiger Woods.”
Alongside Woods, approximately three dozen players have received special invitations to participate in the U.S. Open, including golfing legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson.
It is anticipated that Woods will continue to receive USGA exemptions in the coming years. Woods’s last appearance at the U.S. Open was in 2020 at Winged Foot, where he finished tied for 60th place.
His return to the tournament at Pinehurst is expected to draw considerable attention as fans eagerly await his performance on the greens.