Days After Son Charlie Suffered ‘Major’ Heartbreak, Tiger Woods’s US Open Move Sparks Heated Debate Online

Tiger

Woods has accepted a USGA exemption into the US Open. John Bodenhamer, the USGA chief championships officer, said, “The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods.” The former world no. 1’s USGA legacy glitters with three US Open, the last coming in 2008 at Torrey Pines with a broken leg, three straight US Junior Amateurs (1991-93) and US Amateurs (1994–96).

In a statement, the 15-time Major champion 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.”. In his last US Open in 2020, Woods missed the cut after finishing 10-over through the weekend at Winged Foot.

The 82-time PGA Tour winner is exempt at the Masters and the PGA Championship for life as a past champion. Woods also has an Open Championship spot until he is 60. But his US Open exemption ran out last year. 

This was the first time since 1996—when he was an amateur — that Tiger Woods wasn’t qualified for all four majors. But the USGA’s invitation was expected. The former world no. 1 would be at Pinehurst No. 2 regardless to receive the 2024 Bob Jones Award.

Woods made the record of 24 straight cuts at the Masters this year. But the very next day, the 48-year-old carded 10-over 82, his worst Major round. So fans are not sure if this was the right decision on the USGA’s part. Especially when so many youngsters, including his son, Charlie Woods, are struggling for a berth through US Open qualifiers. 

Tiger Woods should have left the spot for a rising star, fans proclaim

The Hall of Famer has had troubles with his body after the ankle surgery. In a chat with Carson Woods, he quipped that he hurt every day after the Masters. Tiger Woods had to play 23 holes on Friday due to a weather-delayed first round. The veteran was spotted with a pain patch on his back. Experts believed his body stopped cooperating after a marathon second round. Hence, a 10-over moving day. 

A section of golf fans commented that Woods is taking up a slot that should have gone to some youngster. Some already believe a missed cut or a withdrawal is inevitable. “Tiger has had a great run but the exemption should of gone to a deserving young tour player,” one fan opined. Another one took a jab, “Exempt to WD, how awesome.” “Congrats to tiger. My prediction (sic) is he don’t make the cut,” another wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The US Open has qualifying events for players who want to earn a spot. Charlie Woods tried his luck through local qualifiers but failed, carding 9-over 81. Some fans think the 48-year-old should’ve taken the route as well. Notably, Tiger Woods was unwilling to accept a special invitation to THE PLAYERS. 

Another section of netizens stands in the polar opposite. Some believe it shouldn’t have come to this. One fan wrote, “He’s a past champion. He shouldn’t need an exemption. I get that each major is different with that, but past champions should always have a spot.” Another concurred. “He should get a lifetime exemption from all majors for what he has done for the game.”

Tiger Woods reiterated his vision of playing one tournament a month from Augusta in April. Again, at The Today Show with Carson Daly, the veteran asserted that he planned to tee off in the next three majors, starting with Valhalla.