Tiger Woods, the renowned golfer, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming US Open, scheduled to take place next month. This decision comes after a series of health challenges he has been facing. Woods had initially pulled out of the Masters tournament during the third round in April, citing plantar fasciitis as the reason. However, it was later revealed that he underwent a subtalar fusion procedure in New York to address a problem caused by a previous talus fracture in his ankle joint.
Due to these ongoing health issues, Woods was unable to participate in last week’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has confirmed that he will also miss the US Open, further highlighting the extent of his recovery process. As a result, the USGA announced that 33 additional players have gained exemptions for the tournament, with 25 of them being ranked in the world’s top 60. Notable players included in this group are Tyrrell Hatton, currently ranked 18th in the world, as well as major winners Patrick Reed and Jason Day.
Woods has faced a challenging road to recovery, with fears that his leg may have required amputation following a severe car accident in Los Angeles in February 2021. Remarkably, he made a comeback to professional golf 14 months later and finished 47th in the Masters. However, he experienced a setback during the US PGA Championship, withdrawing after a disappointing third-round performance of 79. Subsequently, he opted to skip the US Open and did not make the cut in the 150th Open at St Andrews.
Looking ahead, Woods will aim to defy the odds and make a competitive return in July’s Open at Royal Liverpool. This tournament holds a special significance for him, as it was where he secured his third Open title in 2006, marking his first tournament since the passing of his father, Earl, two months earlier.
As Woods continues his journey towards recovery and rehabilitation, golf enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his return to the sport. His tenacity and determination have been evident throughout his career, and fans hope to witness him once again compete at the highest level.
