The PGA Tour are poised to vote on granting Tiger Woods a lifetime exemption into its Signature Events, recognising his status as the Tour’s joint-most successful player in history.In recent years, Woods’ playing schedule has been reduced due to serious injuries sustained in a car accident in Los Angeles in February 2021. Since then, the 82-time PGA Tour winner has only competed in nine tournaments.He is making his 10th start at the US Open this week.Interestingly, Woods had lost his place to compete at this year’s US Open after his five-year exemption to compete on the major stage following his victory at the Masters in 2019 had expired.LIV Golf star has a nightmare at US Open after hinting he’ll retire soonTiger Woods’ verdict as he slips down US Open leaderboard after dodgy first dayWoods is a three-time winner of his national Open, but the USGA only grants 10-year exemptions to its past champions, unlike the other three major championships.However, he was given a special exemption to compete at Pinehurst this week.Looking ahead, the future of Woods’ playing days remains uncertain, despite being the circuit’s joint-most successful member.According to Golf.com, this issue is set to be resolved next week, with the policy board voting on a lifetime spot in the Tour’s Signature Events moving forward.The Player Advisory Council recently deliberated on a new proposal during the Charles Schwab Challenge, with the vote set to occur before the Travelers Championship – marking the last Signature Event of the 2024 PGA Tour season.Tiger Woods is in action at the U.S. Open (Image: Getty Images)These elevated events feature exclusive fields, offering only four sponsor exemptions for those not already in the line-up. Competitors vie for a staggering £15.7million ($20m) prize fund.Woods, still on his journey to regain peak condition, has not sought any sponsor exemptions this season.Looking ahead, it’s anticipated that the golf legend, with 15 major titles to his name, will aim to expand his tournament appearances beyond the four majors. Woods commenced his stint at Pinehurst this Thursday, enduring challenging conditions to post a gritty four-over-par 74. His performance on the opening day saw two birdies overshadowed by six bogeys.After, he reflected: “I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on. I just haven’t been able to play as much because I just don’t want to hurt myself pre, then I won’t be able to play in the major championships. “It’s pick your poison, right? Play a lot with the potential of not playing, or not playing and fight being not as sharp.”
