Tiger Woods, the renowned golfing legend, has been granted a special exemption to participate in the upcoming US Open, as declared by the United States Golf Association on Thursday. With three US Open victories under his belt in 2000, 2002, and 2008, Woods will mark his 23rd appearance at the prestigious tournament, commencing on June 13 at Pinehurst, North Carolina.
USGA's chief championships officer, John Bodenhamer, emphasized Woods' indispensable role in the championship's narrative, citing iconic moments like his remarkable 15-stroke triumph at Pebble Beach in 2000 and his courageous victory at Torrey Pines in 2008 despite a debilitating leg injury.
In contrast to events like the PGA Championship or the Masters, the US Open traditionally does not extend lifetime exemptions to past champions. Woods, currently ranked 789th in the Official World Golf Ranking, faced ineligibility for this year's US Open after his five-year exemption following his 2019 Masters victory had lapsed.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Woods acknowledged the significance of the US Open in his illustrious career, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping his journey in the sport. He conveyed his excitement for the forthcoming competition, particularly at Pinehurst, a venue deeply entrenched in golfing lore.
At 48 years old, Woods, a fifteen-time major champion, clinched his most recent major title at Augusta in 2019. Despite recent setbacks, including a withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational and a modest 60th-place finish at the Masters, Woods remains resolute in his aspirations to compete.
His sights are now set on the PGA Championship, slated to unfold in two weeks at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, underscoring his enduring commitment to the sport and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
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