At Glance
‣ Tiger Woods has been granted a special exemption to participate in the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No.2, marking his first appearance at the event since 2020.
‣ Despite his recent struggles with fitness following ankle surgery and a disappointing performance at the Masters in April, Woods is honored and excited for the opportunity to compete in the US Open, a tournament that has significantly defined his career.
‣ The USGA Chief Championships Officer, John Bodenhamer, emphasized Tiger Woods’ pivotal role in the history of the US Open, highlighting his remarkable victories and stating that the championship is enhanced by his presence, leading to the decision to grant him a special exemption.
See you at Pinehurst, Tiger.
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf)
Tiger Woods, eh? He’s gearing up for a grand return to the US Open in 2024. It’s been a hot minute since we saw him there – 2020, to be exact. This time, he’s got a golden ticket from the USGA, a special exemption. Why? Well, his victory lap from the 2019 Masters has finally run its course.
Now, Woods isn’t just any golfer. He’s bagged the US Open three times – talk about a hat trick – in 2000, 2002, and 2008. But, as luck (or skill) would have it, he wasn’t on the automatic invite list this year. Fast forward to now, and the 48-year-old legend, who last showed his skills at the Masters, placing 60th, is all set for Pinehurst No.2. That’s happening from June 13-16, by the way.
“The U.S. Open is something else,” Woods probably thought. It’s been a defining saga in his career, and Pinehurst? That’s like hallowed ground for golf. “Honored” was the word he used. Excited, too, for this shot at glory once again.
But let’s not forget, the last time Tiger prowled the US Open at Winged Foot in 2020, things didn’t exactly go his way. And his last top-ten finish? That’s a throwback to 2010 at Pebble Beach. Fourth place isn’t too shabby, though.
John Bodenhamer from the USGA couldn’t hide his excitement. “Tiger Woods and the U.S. Open? That’s a story worth telling,” he might as well have said. From that iconic 15-stroke win to the drama at Torrey Pines, Tiger’s made the U.S. Open what it is. So, yeah, rolling out the red carpet for him was a no-brainer.
“See you at Pinehurst, Tiger.” That tweet was probably buzzing with anticipation. But hold up, there’s a bit of a cloud hanging over this sunny story. Tiger’s been wrestling with his fitness, thanks to some ankle surgery drama last year. Remember the Hero World Challenge? He was all, “I’ll play once a month.” Well, plans change.
Illness kicked him to the curb at the Genesis Invitational. And by the time the Masters rolled around, Tiger was like, “Nope, not ready.” His body, his game – it just wasn’t clicking. But, hope springs eternal. Despite a less-than-stellar show at Augusta, he’s looking ahead, maybe even to the PGA Championship before the big show at the US Open.
But here’s a twist – Charlie, Tiger’s son, won’t be joining the party. Tried his best at the local qualifying, but an 81? That’s a tough break. Better luck next time, kid.
