Tiger Woods has never needed a special exemption to compete in a major tournament before the 2024 U.S. Open, but the 15-time major champion can never truly be ruled out of contention

Tiger Woods is a three-time U.S. Open champion but needed a special exemption to compete in the 2024 tournament

Tiger Woods appears in good shape and ready to “make a run” at Pinehurst No. 2, as the 15-time major champion prepares to compete at the U.S. Open after receiving approval to enter.

The 2024 U.S. Open represents an intriguing moment for Woods. The former world No. 1 needed a special exemption from the USGA to feature after failing to automatically qualify for a major for the first time in his professional career.

According to an observing U.S. Open official, who admitted he was “more of a Phil Mickelson” fan, Woods appeared locked in and fully focused on the task ahead as he struck balls on the range. He claimed the 48-year-old was ‘moving well’ and declared he “would not be surprised” if Woods made the cut and made an unlikely run to U.S. Open glory.

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While he is in unchartered waters, Woods is renowned for his deific ability to succeed against the odds. He has produced comeback after comeback throughout his career, none more than triumphant than his sensational Masters victory in 2019 – his 15th and most recent major title.

Woods believes he still has the game and strength to contend at Pinehurst this week. In the eyes of many, simply seeing the American reach the weekend and finish 72 holes would be considered a big step in the right direction. Woods will always command premier interest, and he took to the practice range to fine-tune his game before he tees off his campaign on Thursday.

Another major win for the golf icon would truly resemble the stuff of legend. Woods, whose presence commanded fanatical cheers throughout Pinehurst, has missed the U.S. Open the previous three years due to injury, with his’ limited schedule in recent seasons deeply affecting his remarkable ambitious hopes of still being able to contend in majors.

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Tiger Woods was apparently striking balls well before he begins his U.S. Open quest (

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Last month, Woods missed the cut at the PGA Championship which was won by Xander Schauffele. Woods cited a lack of tournament preparation for the mistakes that led to him missing the cut at Valhalla, which followed his admirable effort at Augusta where the five-time Masters champion made the cut against all odds. He went on to finish last of those who finished the weekend.

Woods has struggled with fitness for over a decade now, and he has completed all 72 holes of a tournament just three times since November 2020. But he has consistently proven he cannot be bet against on a golf course.

Three-time U.S. Open winner Woods tees off alongside Will Zalatoris and English 2022 champion Matt Fitzpatrick on Thursday morning.