Tiger Woods can continue competing in The Open Championship until he turns 60, despite a new rule by the R&A (The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) that limits exemptions to age 55 starting in 2024.
As a three-time Open champion, Woods retains his exemption from qualifying, allowing him to play in the tournament for the next 12 years. This adjustment, however, will affect future champions who will now lose their exemption five years earlier.
Woods, currently 48, faces a challenging competition this year due to persistent injuries. Despite his struggles, fans remain excited to see him play, especially at iconic moments like crossing the Swilcan Bridge at St Andrews.
The Open’s new age limit contrasts with the Masters, which offers lifetime exemptions to its champions, and the US Open, which provides a ten-year exemption.
Woods has dealt with significant injuries, including multiple leg injuries from a 2021 car accident. His return to golf has been sporadic, managing to complete only two of seven major tournaments since his comeback in April 2022. There is ongoing speculation about when Woods might retire, though he has hinted that his departure could be imminent.
As Woods prepares for what could be one of his final appearances, attention also turns to other prominent golfers like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau, who are expected to be strong contenders in the upcoming Open Championship.
