Tiger Woods could make his debut in the U.S. Senior Open this summer.
The 15-time major champion is not on the initial field list for the 46th U.S. Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in Ohio, which the U.S. Golf Association announced Friday. However, he has registered for the championship.
Advertisement
“Tiger has entered the championship, simply to ensure eligibility, but will not make a decision about playing until a later date,” a USGA spokesperson told Golfweek.
The situation is somewhat similar to the Masters in a couple weeks time. Woods is listed as in the field on the official Masters website thanks to his status as a past champion, though he could decide to back out if need be.
If he were to win a U.S. Senior Open (or another USGA event), it would be the 10th USGA title of Woods’ career, breaking a tie with Bob Jones for most all-time.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump said in a TV interview that Woods would be at Augusta National but not compete in the 90th Masters. “I love Tiger, but he won’t be there. Well, he’ll be there, but he won’t be playing in it,” Trump said.
Advertisement
Woods returned to action Tuesday in the TGL Finals, hitting only nine shots in his first action in more than a year. Last March, he ruptured his Achilles tendon and then had another back surgery in October. After falling in the championship match, Woods said: “I want to play. I love the tournament. I love being there since I was 19 years old. I’m going to be there either way.”
Zach Johnson, Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter are among those exempt into the U.S. Senior Open. Others exempt include defending champion Padraig Harrington, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Mike Weir, Stewart Cink, Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera.
Scioto is one of five venues to host the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and U.S. Amateur. It previously hosted the U.S. Senior Open in 1986 and 2016. The course is also the place where Jack Nicklaus, the only golfer with more major championships than Woods, learned the game.
As for making his debut in the U.S. Senior Open, Woods is waiting it out.
Advertisement
Deadlines to enter the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills close April 8. Woods, a three-time champion of the USGA’s national championship, missed the cut at Pinehurst No. 2 in his last U.S. Open start in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Tiger Woods registers for U.S. Senior Open 2026, not in initial field
Read the full article here