Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption to compete in the upcoming U.S. Open tournament, announced by the United States Golf Association (USGA) on Thursday.
Tiger Woods, renowned as one of the most iconic figures in golfing history, has embraced an extraordinary opportunity. The United States Golf Association (USGA) unveiled on Thursday that Woods has graciously accepted a special invitation to showcase his talents at the prestigious U.S. Open tournament. This decision not only reverberates across the golfing world but also ignites excitement and anticipation among fans worldwide. As the countdown begins to the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, from June 13-16, enthusiasts eagerly await the return of Woods to the grand stage.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. holds his trophy after defeating Rocco Mediate in the sudden death playoff at the 108th U.S. Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego on June 16, 2008. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
The 124th U.S. Open is scheduled to take place at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, from June 13-16.
“This championship is truly special for our game and has played a defining role in my career,” Woods stated in a news release. “I’m thrilled to receive this exemption and eager for the opportunity to compete in this year’s U.S. Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that holds great significance in the world of golf.”
Tiger Woods is a three-time U.S. Open champion, securing victories in 2000, 2002, and 2008. Despite injuries and aging, Woods remains a formidable force in the golfing world.

Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 11, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Last U.S. Open Woods participated in was in 2020
The last U.S. Open Woods participated in was in 2020, where he missed the cut. In 2019, he made the cut, finishing tied for 21st, the same year he astounded fans with a Masters win. However, Woods also faced disappointment, missing the cut in 2018 and 2015.
Woods showed promise in the early rounds of the recent Masters but struggled in the later stages. With some rest between tournaments, he aims to contend for top honors at Pinehurst next month.

Tiger Woods preparing for the Open Championship in 2022. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“The U.S. Open would not be complete without Tiger Woods,” remarked USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer. “From his dominant victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring triumph on a fractured leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is elevated when Tiger is in the mix.”