US Open gives Tiger Woods special exemption to play at Pinehurst

SOUTHERN PINES, North Carolina: Marking the first time the three-time champion has required an exemption to play, Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

Since he first played in 1995 as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, Woods has been exempt from playing for every U.S. Open, but his five-year exemption from winning the 2019 Masters expired in 2023.

The USGA is selective about granting exemptions from qualifying, with the last being awarded to Phil Mickelson in 2021.

Four-time U.S. Open winner Jack Nicklaus received a record eight special exemptions, including five in a row until he stopped playing in the event after the Pebble Beach edition in 2000.

Arnold Palmer received five U.S. Open exemptions, the last one in 1994 when he returned to Oakmont near his hometown.

Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 shots, a record margin of victory. He won again in 2002 at Bethpage Black in New York, and he famously won his third title at Torrey Pines in 2008 only a week before having reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

In a statement, Woods said, "The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career."

"I am 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," he added.

The U.S. Open will be held from June 13 to 16 at Pinehurst No. 2, which will host the major for the fourth time.