Overview
- USGA CEO Mike Whan, in comments published Monday, said he would be “super surprised” if Tiger Woods plays the U.S. Open and that he does not expect Woods in any 2026 USGA championship.
- Woods is not currently eligible for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills starting June 18 and would need a discretionary exemption from the USGA to enter.
- The 50-year-old is receiving inpatient care in Switzerland after a March 27 rollover near his Florida home led to a DUI arrest, with police alleging medication impairment and reporting two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
- Reuters reports Woods has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and he has publicly said he is stepping away to seek treatment, while the PGA Championship field announced Wednesday confirms he will not play next week.
- Whan also noted the USGA can give special consideration to past champions on exemptions, yet he indicated Woods is unlikely to appear at July’s U.S. Senior Open despite his new eligibility at age 50.