Tiger Woods has accepted a special exemption into the 124th U.S. Open Championship in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C., the United States Golf Association announced Thursday.

“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. “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.”

The three-time U.S. Open champion was previously playing under an exemption for his 2019 Augusta National Masters win.

The Pulse Newsletter

Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox. Sign up

Free, daily sports updates direct to your inbox. Sign up

Buy

The 48-year-old golf legend won the 2000, 2002 and 2008 U.S. Open Championships in addition to 12 other major championships and 82 total PGA Tour victories in his Hall of Fame career. Woods holds nine USGA titles, which is matched only by Bob Jones.

This year will mark Woods’ 23rd U.S. Open appearance, third at Pinehurst and first since 2020 at Winged Foot Golf Club.

“The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” USGA chief championships officer John Bodenhamer said. “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.”

The U.S. Open Championship will be played from June 13th to 16th.

Required reading

(Photo: Warren Little / Getty Images)