Tiger Woods Officially Withdraws From US Open, Unlikely To Play Again This Year

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The USGA officially released their list of players exempt for the 2023 US Open. In their announcement, they noted that Tiger Woods withdrew his name from exemption, meaning he’s not going to play at Los Angeles Country Club next month.

That’s sad news, but unsurprising. Woods had surgery in late April after hobbling his way around Augusta National for the 2023 Masters. At that point, playing high-level competitive golf again this season seemed unlikely.

Tiger Woods of the United States is seen during the second round of the 2023 Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, likely his last competitive round in 2023 following his withdrawal from the US Open.
Tiger Woods of the United States is seen during the 2023 Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, likely his last competitive tournament in 2023 following his withdrawal from the US Open. (Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty Images)

But just because we’re unlikely to see Tiger Woods in 2023, don’t count him out for 2024 or beyond.

Inevitably, after Woods suffers a setback, talking heads rush to ask the question: “Have we seen the last of Tiger Woods?”

Admittedly, I was one of those people back in 2017. Following back surgery and the DUI, the end appeared to be near for Woods.

Then, miraculously, Woods won the 2019 Masters tournament. In all honesty, it’s one of the greatest sporting accomplishments I’ve seen in my life. It might be #1.

But that’s the thing with Tiger: if he’s remotely healthy, you cannot count him out of a golf tournament. And, thanks to golf as his sport of choice, he can remain competitive for years.

Just look at 52-year-old Phil Mickelson. Mickelson finished tied for second at the Masters this year. He made the cut at the PGA Championship and finished in the Top 60.

Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee as Justin Thomas of the United States and caddie Jim 'Bones' Mackay look on during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York.
Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee as Justin Thomas of the United States and caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay look on during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/PGA of America via Getty Images)

Tiger Woods is still five years younger than Mickelson. Sure, Mickelson doesn’t have the injury history. But Mickelson doesn’t have Woods’ golf pedigree.

Did we see Tiger Woods win his last major championship at the 2019 Masters? Maybe.

But I’m not willing to bet on it. Not yet.

Follow Dan Zaksheske on Twitter: @RealDanZak

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Written by Dan Zaksheske

Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.

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