WOODS FORE THE US OPEN

BEST BY PAR: Tiger

TIGER Woods will play the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst after receiving a special exemption from the USGA to join the field after previously not being eligible.

The 15-time major winner’s five-year exemption for winning the 2019 Masters ran out this year. “The U.S. Open, our national championship, is a truly special event for our game and one that has helped define my career,” Woods said in a statement.

“I’m honored to receive this exemption and could not be more excited for the opportunity to compete in this year’s U.S. Open, especially at Pinehurst, a venue that means so much to the game.”

Meanwhile, Peter Oosterhuis, a two-time winner of the European Tour money title who later brought his distinguished British voice to CBS golf telecasts as an analyst, sadly died yesterday. He was 75.

Cause

The PGA Tour announced his death without listing a cause, though Oosterhuis had retired from broadcasting in 2014 with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Oosterhuis (inset) won seven times on the European Tour, twice at the French Open, and his lone PGA Tour victory was the Canadian Open in 1981 when he beat Jack Nicklaus, Andy North and Bruce Lietzke by one shot.

Often overlooked was his stellar play in the Ryder Cup. Oosterhuis played on six consecutive teams and compiled 14-11-3 record, remarkable considering this was the 1970s during an era of U.S. dominance. Oosterhuis played on six losing teams and still had a winning record.

He went 6-2-1 in singles, twice beating Arnold Palmer and once Johnny Miller.

Oosterhuis twice won the Order of Merit when the European Tour was formed in 1972.

IKEM Ugwueru had an idea that the question would come at some stage during his early days with Clare.

‘Did you get that call off me the last time?’

His inquisitor was then-Banner boss Colm Collins, who left the job last year after a decade at the Clare helm.

“I said no to him three times and then one call I didn’t pick up,” smiles Ugwueru.