Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption to play in the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, marking the first time the three-time champion has required an exemption to participate. Woods has been exempt from qualifying for every U.S. Open since his debut in 1995 as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion. However, his five-year exemption from winning the 2019 Masters expired last year.
The decision to grant Woods the exemption was expected, with the USGA being selective about who receives such exemptions. The last exemption was awarded in 2021 to Phil Mickelson. Notably, golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have also received special exemptions in the past.
