Scandal erupts after Tiger Woods receives special exemption to US Open
An unexpected scandal erupted after the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced on Thursday, May 2, 2024, that Tiger Woods would benefit from a “special exemption” to play in the 124th US Open.
The intention of the public statement made by USGA Championship Manager John Bodenhamer was clear. Tiger brings excitement (and viewers) to the Open. According to Bodenhamer, “the story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods. From his 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in 2000 to his emotional victory over a broken leg at Torrey Pines in 2008, this championship is simply better when Tiger is in the field, and his accomplishments in the match undoubtedly made the decision for our special exemption committee. »
The U.S. Open wants Tiger Woods to play, even if his game isn’t up to par. NBC, which will broadcast the U.S. Open from Pinehurst Country Club June 13-16, certainly wants Woods to play. Few people can captivate a crowd like Tiger Woods, but it’s important to note that Woods himself wants to play. And he doesn’t claim to have earned his spot. Woods said in a statement: “The U.S. Open, a truly special event for our sport, was the defining tournament of my career. “I’m honored to receive this exemption. I’m extremely happy to have the opportunity to play in this year’s U.S. Open, especially at Pinehurst, which is such an important tournament for golf.”
However, many people believe that Tiger Woods should not receive this special exemption. There are various reasons for this, including that an exemption means deserving players are excluded, that an exemption should not be offered to Tiger Woods, and that given his physical condition and recent playing form, Tiger should not compete in the U.S. Open again. Some golfers are unhappy, notably Tarragh Gooch of LIV Golf, who voiced his opinion that he and other LIV golfers have not received any benefits. Gooch has had some success at LIV Golf, but his world ranking has dropped because the Official World Golf Rankings do not recognise these 54-hole tournaments. Gooch said that major tournament trophies should have an “asterisk” on them because “some of the best players in the world” are not allowed to compete.
Tiger Woods is 48. He last won the US Open Championship in 2008. Scottie Scheffler was 11. But beyond the obvious reason that advertisers, sponsors and television networks believe that special exemptions will allow more people to watch the games, there are other compelling reasons. The US Open, as Tiger says, is our “national championship” and connects today’s golfers and fans with America’s golfing past. Tiger won the US Open in 2000, 2002, and 2008. He won three American lovers and three American lovers -all tournaments managed by USGA are open as us. Tiger Woods and golf in the United States are closely related. And he can still play.
Golf has never seen more change than it is right now since Tiger Woods turned pro in 1996, bringing millions of new fans and billions of new dollars to the sport. Upstart golf club LIV Golf is luring the world’s best players in deals that would have been unthinkable just two years ago, and the PGA is raising billions of dollars from private equity. Many younger fans are clamoring for a more aggressive tournament atmosphere, certainly a lot louder and rowdier.
Tiger Woods is the only player, still today, who can bridge the past, present and future of golf, and attract traditionalists and novices, PGA stalwarts and LIV Golf newcomers.
