Tiger Woods makes admission over future after US Open missed cut at Pinehurst

The 15-time major champion followed an opening round of 74 with a 73 on Friday, leaving him at seven over and two shots off the cut-line.

There had been hopes that Woods could produce a more positive showing, with the Pinehurst course a relatively easy walk and the set-up prioritising strategy and discipline over brute force and low scores.

However, as was the case at the PGA Championship last month, Woods was unable to make it through to the weekend, and his focus will now turn to the Open at Royal Troon next month.

While Woods has a lifetime exemption to the Masters and the PGA Championship, and can play at the Open until he is 60, he does not currently have an automatic place in the field at the US Open.

He is likely to continue receiving special exemptions, but was coy on his future when asked if there was a chance this was his final US Open appearance.

“I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be,” he said.

Should Woods tee it up at the Open as expected, it will be the first year since 2019 that he has played in all four majors.

His last seven appearances at golf’s biggest tournaments have now resulted in three missed cuts, two withdrawals and a best finish of 47th, but Woods was still upbeat about the level of his game at Pinehurst.

“Frustrating, I’m not here for the weekend,” Woods said.

“My ball-striking and felt like my putting was good enough to be in contention, and I’m not. So yes, it is frustrating because I’m not here to have a chance to win on the weekend.”