By Mark Bergin, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption into the 124th U.S. Open Championship, the United States Golf Association announced Thursday.

Woods, 48, is due to make his 23rd start at the U.S. Open, which runs from June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2. He is due to make his third appearance at Pinehurst No. 2.

“The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” Woods said in a news release. “I’m 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.”

June will also mark Woods’ first appearance at the U.S. Open since 2020.

“The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer said in a news release. “From his 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring win on a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is simply better when Tiger is in the field, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee.”

While other majors like the PGA Championship and Masters offer lifetime exemptions to past champions, the U.S. Open does not.

Woods is No. 789 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and his five-year exemption after his 2019 Masters win has run out.

Woods won the 2000, 2002 and 2008 U.S. Open championships in addition to 12 other major championships and 82 total PGA Tour victories. He is one of golf’s five Grand Slam winners.

Source: wralsportsfan.com