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‘Who Knows’: Tiger Woods Remains Clueless as Unprecedented Obstacle Haunts His Pro Career For the First Time

Published 12/17/2023, 6:31 PM EST

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via Reuters

It seems Tiger Woods’s comeback isn’t all rosy for the professional. Although the golfer’s fans would be able to witness him teeing it up once a month as per his announcement if all goes well, they would still, in the end, miss him at one of the top events in the coming year, none other than a major at that!

But, considering the couple of years that the pro had, it would not come off as too much of a surprise when one hears such a piece of news. When asked about the same, the golfer himself was spotted in a state of bewilderment as he turned over his hands to the question, all the while expressing confusion!

Tiger Woods’s uncertain major dream

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It would be the first time in his 27-year-long career that Woods would not be exempt from a major, the U.S. Open in this case, because of his unqualified status. With a decent comeback into the game at the Hero World Challenge, his hope for a fourth trophy at the event and a 16th major win has taken a big hit. And, he was asked about the situation after the Sunday round at the PNC Championship that ended not too long ago.

In the press conference, the athlete revealed how he does “not know” anything regarding the same. Adding on, the 47-year-old said, ” I don’t know what’s happened or what Jack, what happened over his career, or Tom or anybody else,” divulging his oblivious and confused nature as to why the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson got exempted from the major eight and five times respectively over the years.

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Continuing with his response, the 15X major champ mentioned how, as of now, he isn’t in the upcoming U.S Open all the while disclosing the fact that he doesn’t “know what the process” for the same is. “whether or not I have to formally ask them or they invite me, or you give me an exemption or I have to go qualify, you know, who knows,” said the 82X PGA Tour winner while elaborating on the topic.

A piece of bad news, no doubt, for the 3X U.S. Open champ and his fans. Well, after listening to the reaction of the legend, it is quite natural to become curious about the fact as to why the golfer wasn’t able to get exempted from the same.

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Woods and his major exemptions

Woods’s 3rd U.S. Open win came in 2008, a full 15 years back, making him ineligible for getting exempted due to his previous wins. However, the golfer was qualified to play on the major till last year, courtesy of his 2019 Masters Tournament victory, since the winners from the last five editions of the event were given exemptions.

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However, all hope is not lost. The 47-year-old can make the tournament if the USGA decides to give the athlete a special exemption like they did with Nicklaus or Watson. Regardless of the situation, he would be hoping to clear up the uncertainties soon as this would be the only event he would be unqualified for in 2024 since he has a lifetime exemption for the other major, except the Open, where he can play till he is 60. Fingers crossed!

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Written by:

Allan Abe

1,113Articles

One take at a time

My search for happiness eventually led me, Allan Abe, to the hallways of ES after dabbling in different fields. Following my childhood passion for the sport and coupling it with my passion for writing, the role of a golf writer was the perfect career path and has been more than a fruitful one. Through the live coverage and in-depth analysis of the lives of big stars like Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm, I have put to use all my journalistic-accolade-winning experience, from state-wide events to college competitions, to give the reader a great story with every piece.
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Edited by:

Tushhita.barua

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