Tiger Woods has narrowly dodged a golf rule change that could have affected his ability to compete in The Open.
The R&A Golf Club of St Andrews has changed the duration for which past champions are exempt from qualifying.
Previously, all former Open winners were exempt from qualifying until they reached 60 years old. However, starting from 2024, this age limit will be significantly reduced to 55.
Fortunately for Woods, who has already won the competition, he will not be affected by this rule change.
This means he can participate in the major without qualifying for the next 12 years.
The news will likely bring relief to the three-time winner, who typically reserves his energy for the major tournaments on the schedule.
Woods is set to compete in Scotland at Royal Troon this week, with the event kicking off on Thursday, July 18, and concluding on Sunday.
Despite being a 15-time major winner, Woods is considered a long shot after missing the cut at the US Open. The 48-year-old experienced the disappointment of watching a putt on the 15th hole at Pinehurst No.2 lip out, denying him a crucial birdie. This proved to be the pivotal moment that led to him missing the cut by two strokes.
Woods has been battling through numerous injuries that have hindered his game over recent years. He has spent considerable time away from the sport due to high-profile personal issues and painful injury bouts.
Things went disastrously wrong when he broke his leg in a high-speed car accident in February 2021, after his car rolled into a ditch. A statement on the star’s own website confirmed that he suffered “comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones”.
He made a comeback to the Masters in April 2022, however, he’s only managed to finish two of the seven majors he’s participated in since returning. He didn’t qualify in two and pulled out from the remaining five.
The Open Championship is expected to be his last tournament of the 2024 season. Added to this, following his disappointment at the US Open, Woods hinted that it might be his final appearance at the event.
He expressed: “As far as my last Open Championship or US Open, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be. It’s one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut. I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating.”
Furthermore, he mentioned: “I’ve only got one more tournament this season.” I don’t think even if I win the British Open, I don’t think I’ll be in the PGA Tour play-offs. Just one more event and then I’ll come back whenever I come back.”
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Source: USA Today
