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Mark Schlabach, ESPN senior writer
15-time major champion Tiger Woods has agreed to a special exemption to play in next month's U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina, the USGA announced Thursday.
Woods, a three-time US Open winner, last captured the event in 2008. While he has lifetime exemptions to the Masters and PGA Championship and can play in the Open until he turns 60 as a former winner of those tournaments, the exemption Woods at the US Open The US Open is over in 2023.
This is the first time Woods has not qualified for a major since the 1996 PGA Championship, when he was still an amateur.
The 124th US Open will be played on Pinehurst Course No. 2 June 13-16.
“The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event in our game and has helped define my career,” Woods said in a statement. “I am honored to receive this exemption and I could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete at this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a place that means so much to the game.”
Woods, 48, has won nine USGA championships — three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur (1991-93), three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur (1994-96), and the U.S. Open in 2000, 2002 and 2008.
“The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” John Bodenhamer, chief tournament officer for the USTA, said in a statement. “From his 15-stroke win at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring leg-break win at Torrey Pines in 2008, this tournament is simply better when Tiger is on the field, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this decision an easy one.” Our Special Exemption Committee “
During an interview on the “Today” show Wednesday, Woods indicated that he still hopes to play in one event a month, starting with the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 16-19.
Following the US Open, the Open Championship will be held at Royal Troon Golf Course in Scotland from July 18-21.
“I have the next three months,” Woods said. “So, I have three majors, and I hope it all works out.”
Last month, Woods set a Masters Tournament record with his 24th consecutive cut, breaking the previous mark he shared with Fred Cupples (1983-2007) and Gary Player (1959-1982).
Woods carded 82-77 over the weekend at Augusta National and finished last among players to even the score at 16-over 304, his worst 72-hole score in a professional event.
Woods last competed in the US Open when he missed the cut at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
