Tiger Woods will play the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst after receiving a special exemption from the USGA to join the field after previously not being eligible.

The 15-time major winner’s five-year exemption for winning the 2019 Masters ran out this year. “The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” Woods said in a statement.

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

Woods isn’t the only legend to be given an exemption by the USGA. Jack Nicklaus (seven times), Arnold Palmer (five times), and Tom Watson have also been handed the right to enter this year’s tournament. The 2024 U.S. Open will be held June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2, giving Woods, who finished 60th at last month’s Masters, just over a month to prepare.

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The 48-year-old had hoped to compete in a tournament a month ago, only to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational earlier this year, followed by not competing at the Houston Open. The U.S. Open, a competition Woods won three times in 2000, 2002, and 2008, will provide the golf icon with a shot at getting his year back on track.

“The story of the U.S. Open could not be written without Tiger Woods,” USGA chief championships officer John

Bodenhamer added. “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.”