GOLF
Is Tiger Woods playing in the 2024 US Open?
The 48-year-old, who is still dealing with health issues, has kept a discreet profile in 2024. He appeared at the Masters in April but has missed out on pretty much everything else.
Pinehurst in North Carolina hosts the 124th edition of the US Open which tees off on Thursday. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele head into the 72-hole tournament as the big favourites - Scheffler still glowing from last week’s triumph at the Memorial. Expectations may not be so high for Tiger Woods, who is set to take part for the 23rd time after accepting a special exemption.
Woods is one of 22 players who have multiple wins in the US Open, having lifted the trophy in 2000, 2002 and 2008. He finished tied for 21st in his last appearance in 2019, missing the cut the following year. He failed to meet criteria to participate in this year’s event and his five-year exemption for the US Open for winning the 2019 Masters expired last year.
Tiger Woods granted reprieve by the USGA
However in May, Woods received a special exemption from the USGA - a rare allowance bestowed on golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson in years gone by.
In a statement, Woods said, “The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career. I’m honored to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete in this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game.”
Tiger Woods’ health problems
The 48-year-old is still dealing with ongoing health issues - the aftermath of a near-fatal car accident in February 2021 which left him with multiple fractures to the upper and lower fibula and tibia in his right leg. His last major victory was at the 2019 Masters, where he won his fifth Green Jacket, and 15th major. He returned for this year’s Masters, finishing 60th but missed the cut at and the PGA Championship.
Woods has spent the past few days practicing at Pinehurst with his son Charlie. We will see whether he can defy the odds to sneak into the 60-player field - and who knows, maybe even win his fourth title... The last time the tournament was played at Pinehurst, the cut line was 145 (+5).
The 2024 US Open runs from June 13–16 at course number 2 of Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Golf Channel, USA Network and Peacock will be broadcasting the action live as it happens.