Tiger Woods accepts special exemption into 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst

Tiger Woods will compete in the 2024 U.S. Open in June. On Thursday, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that the golf superstar accepted a special exemption to play in the major. Woods will make his 23rd start at the U.S. Open, third at Pinehurst No. 2 and first since 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club.

“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 in a statement, per PGA Tour.com. “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.”

Woods won the U.S. Open in 2000, 2002 and 2008. Overall the 48-year-old has claimed 15 major championships and 82 victories on the PGA Tour.

“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.”

Tiger Woods made history at 2024 Masters

Woods is coming off playing the Masters last month. He set a Masters record with his 24th consecutive made cut, which broke the previous mark set by Fred Couples (1983-2007) and Gary Player (1959-1982). Woods finished last among players to make the cut at 16-overall, his worst in the event.

“Coming in here, not having played a full tournament in a very long time, it was a good fight on Thursday and Friday,” Woods said at the time, per WRDW. “Unfortunately (Saturday) didn’t quite turn out the way I wanted it to.”

Despite not having a strong showing at the Masters, Woods was happy with his performance considering the lack of tournaments he’s played in the last few years. “It was a good week. It was a good week all around,” he said. “I think that coming in here, not having played a full tournament in a very long time, it was a good fight on Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately yesterday it didn’t quite turn out the way I wanted it to.”

The U.S. Open will take place at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina from June 13-16.