Staff Writer
As he recovers from surgery on his right ankle, Tiger Woods declared himself ineligible to compete in the US Open on Tuesday, according to organizers.
The 47-year-old 15-time major champion, who also won three US Open titles, needed further ankle surgery in April after suffering serious injuries in a car accident in 2021.
The third of the four major tournaments, the US Open, takes place at the Los Angeles Country Club’s North Course from June 15 to 18.
Woods last participated in competition at the Masters in April, but he withdrew before the third round and it was decided that he would have another procedure.
The statement that stated, “Tiger Woods, who won this championship in 2000, 2002, and 2008, has withdrawn as an exempt player while still recovering from his recent surgery,”declaration from the organizers.
While struggling to make the cut at Augusta National, which he has won five times, Woods could be seen occasionally limping.
Since his automobile accident in February 2021 near Los Angeles, Woods has only participated in five events and has just twice completed 72 holes.
At the Masters last year and the Genesis Invitational PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club in February, he unexpectedly made a comeback to the game and played four rounds.
He emphasized at Riviera that he would have a very constrained competitive calendar, adding that he aimed to participate in all four major tournaments and perhaps “a couple” additional ones.
At Augusta, he admitted that he considers whether it will be his final appearance at the Masters.
He continued, “I don’t know how many more I have in me,” feeling “very lucky” to still have his right leg.
It has been and always will be difficult. My leg’s capacity and endurance won’t ever be the same in the future. I can’t prepare and participate in as many competitions as I would want because of this.
But I don’t mind it; that is my future.
