[Photo: Adam Glanzman/TGL]

Tiger Woods is missing from the USGA’s overnight release regarding the field for its 2026 US Senior Open, but the 15-time major winner could still play in the championship.

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Woods, who turned 50 in December, is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions this year, including the five senior major championships. Despite the injury toll of the past decade, Woods has expressed interest in competing on the 50-and-older circuit, specifically since the tour allows for cart use in regular tour events. But three months into the season, Woods is yet to make his debut as he rehabs from a ruptured Achilles injury and back surgery, and only returned to this simulator-league TGL this past week. Given that he wasn’t listed on the overnight announcement from the USGA, it’s understandable if fans deduced Woods remains far from return.

However, in a statement to Golf Digest, the USGA confirmed that Woods has registered for the event.

“Tiger has entered the championship, simply to ensure eligibility,” said a USGA spokesperson, “but will not make a decision about playing until a later date.”

The news comes as Woods was involved in a rollover car accident in Florida on the same day, and as he contemplates playing in the upcoming Masters, which is less than two weeks away. On Thursday, US president Donald Trump said in a TV interview that Woods would not compete at Augusta National but be on the grounds. Woods has not played in an official PGA Tour event since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Joining Woods among the newly 50 crowd are Zach Johnson, Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter. Other exempt players include defending US Senior Open champ Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Vijay Singh, Mike Weir, Stewart Cink, Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera.

This year’s US Senior Open will be held at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. The course is just one of five venues to host the US Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and US Amateur, and previously hosted the US Senior Open in 1986 and 2016. The club is perhaps best known as the place where Jack Nicklaus learned the game. Designed by Donald Ross, Scioto underwent a major restoration by Andrew Green in 2021.

The US Senior Open will begin on July 2.