Tiger Woods lands US Open exemption after rules said he'd have to miss Pinehurst

Tiger Woods, the 15-time major winner, has secured a special exemption to participate in this week's US Open. Despite not being as dominant as he once was, Woods remains a significant attraction in the sport and will be seen in action at Pinehurst in the coming days.

The 48-year-old used to qualify based on his performance, but that is no longer the case.

However, Woods won't have to go through a qualifying campaign to feature at the US Open. The tournament's entry form includes Category F-23 among the exemptions from Local and Final Qualifying.

The USGA, which manages the US Open, states that it can choose a player for a special exemption into the national championship.

For the first time, Woods has received one, ensuring his presence in the field before Thursday's first tee. The legendary golfer hasn't competed in the US Open since 2020 when he didn't make the cut.

His last victory in the tournament was in 2008.

The four different majors have varying rules for past champions participating in them. Woods can compete in the Masters and PGA Championship as a past champion for the rest of his life and can play in the Open Championship until 2036, when he'll be 60, due to his three victories.

Regrettably, winning the US Open only comes with a decade-long exemption. Woods' last triumph was at Torrey Pines back in 2008 while his five-year Masters allowance, stemming from his 2019 win, has already expired.

Thusly, 2024 eclipses as the first epoch of Woods' professional tenure that he was not automatically walking into the renowned US Open.

In response to the unexpected exemption, Woods said: "The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career. I'm honoured 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."

Merely 35 golfers have swung it in the US Open via special exemption. Jack Nicklaus, who hoisted the US Open trophy aloft four times, was bestowed with a special pass eight times - his first in 1991 and his ultimate invitation was for Pebble Beach in 2000.

Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson were both presented with five honorary entries.

Exemption recipients often find themselves in the twilight phase of their golfing careers. The previous chap to bag one was Ernie Els in 2019, who subsequently missed out on the cut.

Nick Price, in 2005, was the final exemption holder who ascended up to the top 10, culminating tied ninth at Pinehurst.

Tom Watson's performance in 1993 stands out as the best outcome ever registered by an exemption awardee; he sealed off with a joint fifth placement at Baltusrol.