The not-so-rosy comeback for the golfing legend seems rosy enough now. Tiger Woods had lost his chance to play at the U.S. Open this year owing to his earlier exemption running its course. But now, it appears the 48-year-old has another chance at making the major championship, courtesy of the 2024 USGA Bob Jones Award.

SportsIllustrated’s Bob Harig recently took to speculating about the possibility of the 82-time PGA Tour champion competing at the major. Meanwhile, as he did so, he went ahead to subtly hint at a special exemption for the 15-time major champ, all the while alluding to the inevitability of Woods being offered the same owing to his accolades!

Tiger Woods’s major dream to finally see a light?

The author shared a tweet mentioning how “it’s inevitable” that Mr. T would receive a US Open special exemption. “He’s a 9-time USGA champ. He will get as many as he wants,” added Harig as he surmised how they are just waiting for him in a bid “to signal for sure he will play or to give him a chance… to make it on his own.” Well, the recent award, coupled with the fact that he would be recognized for the same at a ceremony during the week of the U.S. Open Championship, does indicate a high chance of the golfer being invited to the event.

That’s not all. Even Woods was visibly excited to receive the award. “I’m truly humbled to receive the award that bears his name and join the many who have received it before me who continue his legacy,” confessed the golfer, before which he alluded to how “Bob Jones was a pillar of our game because of the integrity with which he played it.”

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Continuing with his response, the 9-time USGA champ divulged what the recent accolade means to him. Adding on, he disclosed, “It’s especially fitting to receive this honor from the USGA,” as he went ahead to admit how this “has meant so much to my (sic) career and the entire game of golf.” Interestingly, the 3-time U.S. Open champ acknowledging the value of the award from the USGA, especially at a time when he requires an exemption to play at the said major, does paint a hopeful picture for his fans who wish to see him invited to the same.

Curiosity naturally arises as to why the golfer was awarded the accolade, which puts him among a list of sportspeople who have made it big in the game. Anyhow, it appears that the athlete overcoming his physical and personal challenges has helped him rake in yet another feat, but this time off the greens.

The ‘Tiger Woods’ effect on the game of golf

“Tiger Woods has quite literally changed the game,” admitted Fred Perpall, USGA president, as he mentioned how “his impact on the game is incalculable.” Continuing with his praise, he said, “There is no doubt that golf would not be the same without Tiger in it,” before expressing how his incredible work has helped him embody the characteristics that recognize this award.

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Meanwhile, the 48-year-old has made himself part of a list of athletes, including the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Mickey Wright, among others, who have won the Bob Jones Award. Nevertheless, one can’t help but admire the golfer for the never-ending contributions he has made to the sport, leading him to rake in yet another accolade during his career.

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