Tiger Woods accepts special exemption to compete at his 23rd US Open

The 15-time Major winner failed to qualify for the first time when his five-year exemption for winning the 2019 Masters ran out.

“The US Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” said Woods.

“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 won the US Open in 2000, 2002 and 2008 and last teed it up in 2020 at Winged Foot, when he missed the cut. Injuries have prevented him from playing for the last three years but the special exemption will allow the Californian to play the event for the 23rd time.

“The story of the US Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” said the USGA’s John Bodenhamer.

“From his 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his inspiring win on a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is simply better when Tiger is in the field, and his accomplishments in the game undoubtedly made this an easy decision for our special exemption committee.”

​Meanwhile, Matt Wallace opened with an eight-under 63 to grab the early lead in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and admitted he’s been inspired by the new generation of golfing talent.

The Englishman failed to qualify for the Masters last month but he took the positives from his absence and made eight birdies in a bogey-free effort at TPC Craig Ranch in Dallas to lead by a shot from Alex Noren, Taylor Pendrith and Chesson Hadley.

Admitting he does not focus as much on world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, Wallace said: “Well, him, but, I mean, he’s so good that it’s difficult to take a lot from him because he’s playing unbelievable golf.

“It’s not as realistic for everyone else out there. I look at Ludvig (Aberg), the way he plays his game for someone who is so young. The new breed that’s come out on Tour, so fast and so good anyway.

“I feel like he’s so focused on his own shot and down here rather than out here at the target and the outcome that he puts his best move and best swing on it.”

There’s also a new breed on the DP World Tour in the shape of the in-form Sebastian Soderberg, who carded a bogey-free nine-under 63 to share the lead with France’s Romain Langasque in the Volvo China Open.

He currently leads the Asian Swing Rankings following back-to-back runner-up finishes and has his eye on a spot in this month’s PGA Championship.

“I need to take each shot at a time and not get ahead of myself,” he said.

Holywood’s Tom McKibbin made three birdies in a two-under 70 to share 50th place.

Volvo China Open, Live, Sky Sports, 6.0am CJ Cup Byron Nelson Live, Sky Sports, 12.45