The sports world is ecstatic over the news that emerged on Thursday about legendary golfer Tiger Woods. The U.S. Open granted a special exemption to allow the legendary golfer to play in this year’s grand slam event.
Jeff Eisenband, who works for PGA TOUR Live, among other entities, reported the news of Woods’ exemption to the event, which will take place at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina this summer.
“The last time Tiger Woods was not exempt into the U.S. Open on merit was 1994,” Eisenband added.
JUST IN: @TigerWoods is getting a special exemption to the @usopengolf next month at Pinehurst No. 2.
The last time Tiger Woods was not exempt into the U.S. Open on merit was 1994. pic.twitter.com/7DAQIlGFBI
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 2, 2024
This was a no-brainer decision for the USGA. Woods is arguably the greatest golfer ever and assuredly the best of his generation. He’s one of the most visible names in sports, even to this day, with his dominance long behind him. Woods is an attraction, and the PGA Tour clearly knows it, as the exemption makes all the sense in the world.
The 15-time major champion is a 3-time winner at the U.S. Open. He earned victories in 2000, 2002, and 2008, one of the most memorable sports performances ever. His last major championship came in 2019 as part of an unforgettable Masters win.
He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2021, a much-deserved honor.
The sports world had plenty to say about the news on Tiger Woods. Most were pleased by the news, as Tiger is still recognized as one of the most respected athletes in the world.
First time in 28 years he hasn't qualified for a major. 🤯 https://t.co/p2kBMQTvWB
— Brandi Brown (@brandibrown) May 2, 2024
Does @TigerWoods have another Major Championship in him?? And When is his son, Charlie Woods, going to make his first Major appearance? 2027? @usopengolf https://t.co/8wLgARkp45
— TOKN SPORTS (@TOKNSPORTS) May 2, 2024
See you soon at Pinehurst, Tiger Woods! 🐅 pic.twitter.com/IisBubL6RF
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 2, 2024
Tiger Woods gets a special invite into the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. The no-brainer of all no-brainers.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) May 2, 2024
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022