Tiger Woods: Is He Playing in the 2023 US Open?
Tiger Woods hasn’t quite been playing to the standard we all know and love him for. A re-aggravation to his foot on the plantar fasciitis has caused him to withdraw from the upcoming US Open. A few days after the announcement was made, Tiger underwent ankle fusion surgery, putting him in doubt about playing for the rest of 2023. This year, the golf veteran would have been in search of his 16th major championship victory.
The US Open is one of the most treasured golf tournaments in the golfing world, bringing royalty of the sport together to battle to lift one of the most converted trophies in the world. This year marks the 123rd edition of the tournament. It will be held at the Los Angeles Country Club between the 15th and 18th of June, the first time in its history that the tournament has been held at this course.
Why is Woods not Playing in the US Open?
The US Golf Association announced that Tiger Woods has officially pulled out of the tournament this year due to the recovery needed from his recent ankle surgery. Over the years Tiger has been a part of 23 U.S. Open tournaments, earning three victories, his last being in 2008.
His recent subtalar fusion surgery is preventing him from staying out on the course for extended periods of time. A surgery like this can take up to three months to recover from, but it is thought that Tiger would like to take his time completing the healing process to ensure he is playing at his very best when he makes his return.
Woods is yet to comment on his recent withdrawal, or update any of his fans and the media on when he may return to the sport everybody loves him dearly for. It is likely that Woods is going to also miss the Open Championship if he completes the extended recovery, as the event gets underway on July 20th.
The recent surgery that Tiger Woods had is the latest in an extensive line of injuries and setbacks that he has been troubled with during the later stages of his career. A car crash in 2021 was the instigator of the recurring struggles he has faced, with continued surgical procedures needed. Woods has stated already that he doesn’t have much playing time left in his leg, putting a question mark on how long he is set to continue his career.
The most difficult part of the tournament weekend for Woods was walking during the week leading up to the Masters, a physical limitation that was attributed to his recovery. It looks to be a difficult journey for Woods walking away from the fairway, but one he must complete if he stands any chance of returning to his best.
Favourites for the US Open 2023
While Woods is out of the competition, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is looking to retain his title after taking victory last year, winning his first-ever major title with a single stroke ahead of Will Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler. The operators in UK-based review website name Rory Mcllroy as a favourite to win this year’s Open. The Irishman won the title back in 2011 and is looking to earn his fifth major championship this year. Another player who is looking in great form this year is Jon Rahm. The Spaniard has made seven top-ten finishes this year with four wins under his belt.
