The USGA first gave a special exemption to the U.S. Open in 1966 -- to Ben Hogan. It did not give another until 1977 -- Sam Snead, Tommy Bolt, Julius Boros. Arnold Palmer got the first of five in 1978; Jack Nicklaus got the first of eight in 1991.

Tiger Woods Accepts Special Exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst www.si.com/golf/2024… via @SInow

As expected, Tiger gets special exemption to U.S. at Pinehurst. It’s the first time he’s not been otherwise exempt for a major since he won the 1997 Masters. His 5 year exemption for winning 2019 Masters was up.

LIV Golf's Talor Gooch Will Not Try to Qualify for the U.S. Open www.si.com/golf/2024… via @SInow

Brooks Koepka Not Sounding Optimistic With PGA Championship Looming: 'Trying to Find Some Answers' www.si.com/golf/2024… via @SInow