Tiger Woods accepts exemption to play US Open at Pinehurst

“The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” said Woods, now ranked 789th in the world.

“I’m honoured to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete in this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game.”

Woods has said he hopes to play one tournament a month this year. He qualifies automatically for the US PGA Championship later this year as a former champion.

He won the last of his three US Open titles in 2008 and was a runner-up to Michael Campbell at Pinehurst in 2005.

The championship begins on 13 June.