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Tiger Woods commits to play in 2018 U.S. Open

By Kyle Walton

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 08: Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 08: Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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For the first time since 2015 Tigers Woods has officially committed to entering the field at the U.S. Open in June at Shinnecock Hills.

Just days after Tiger Woods returned to Augusta National for his first Masters in three years, the 14-time Major winner officially filed for entry into the 2018 U.S. Open according to the USGA. The second major championship of the year for golf’s top competitors takes place June 14-17 at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York. This will be Woods’ first U.S. Open since 2015.

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The last time he teed it up at the U.S. Open, Woods missed the cut at Chambers Bay. His opening round score of a 10-over 80 was his worst round during U.S. Open competition. A second round 76 put Woods well off the cut-line and the combined 16-over carded his worst performance in a major tournament.

Not only will Woods look to redeem his 2015 performance, 2018 also marks the last year of his 10-year exemption stemming from his 2008 victory. A three-time U.S. Open champion, Woods’ 2008 victory came in an 18-hole Monday playoff after he and Rocco Mediate finished the final round Sunday tied at 1-under par. Both Mediate and Woods were the only competitors to finish under par for the tournament that year.

Woods made his U.S. Open debut back in 1995 also at Shinnecock Hills. His bid into the tournament that year came by way of being the top U.S. Amateur Champion. Following an opening-round 74 Woods was forced to withdraw due to a wrist injury.

When the U.S. Open, and Woods, returned to Southampton in 2004 breezy conditions made play around the course unbearable at times. Retief Goosen edged out Phil Mickelson that year by a mere two strokes. While he didn’t come away with the victory Woods approved on his debut slightly by making the cut but still coming in at 10-over par.

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With a resurgence of late from the 42-year old Woods, a primed Shinnecock Hills could be the catalyst for his first win since 2013. Woods has been consistently making cuts and working through the weekends with little to no noticeable fatigue. If he can straighten out the driver Woods may just find himself back in the winner’s circle once more.

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