United States Open | Tiger Woods accepts a special invitation

Tiger Woods has accepted a special exception for the 2024 US Open.

This is the first time Woods, a three-time tournament champion, has needed a waiver to play.

Woods has been automatically admitted to the US Open since his very first appearance, in 1995, as the reigning US Amateur champion. The five-year exemption granted to him after his triumph in the 2019 Masters ended last year.

The last exemption granted by the USGA – which hosts the United States Open – dates back to 2021, to Phil Mickelson.

With four triumphs among his 18 Grand Slam titles, Jack Nicklaus holds the record for eight special exemptions at the United States Open, including five in a row until he retired after the edition held in 2000 at Pebble Beach.

Arnold Palmer received five special exemptions to play in the US Open. The last one was given to him in 1994, when he returned to Oakmont, near his hometown, for an emotional farewell.

Woods won the United States Open at Pebble Beach in 2000 by 15 strokes. This is the largest margin of victory for any major tournament champion.

He added a second title in 2002 at Bethpage Black, New York, and then signed a famous triumph at Torrey Pines, in 2008, just a week before undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

“The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our sport and one that has helped define my career,” Woods said in a statement.

“I’m honored to receive this exemption and couldn’t be more excited to compete in this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that holds such significance for our sport.”

The US Open is held 13-16. June on Pinehurst’s course No. 2, which is hosting the tournament for the fourth time.

Woods finished third, two shots behind the late Payne Stewart, in 1999. He finished second at Pinehurst in 2005, behind Michael Campbell. He missed the last edition of the tournament at Pinehurst, in 2014, while recovering from the first of what would be four back surgeries.