Tiger Woods, who hasn’t competed in a major tournament or even a competitive event at all since 2024, made his absence at ​all of this season’s majors official by failing to ‌submit an entry for the Open Championship, Sports Illustrated reported on Wednesday.

Woods is not eligible to compete at the United States (US) Open next month, but he did ​have an exception to compete at the Open. He had ​previously openly discussed the possibility of returning for the ⁠Masters last month.

Instead, a car crash in late March that resulted ​in a suspicion of driving under influence arrest derailed those plans. Shortly after ​the incident, Woods announced that in addition to seeking treatment, he would be taking time away from his off-course duties including serving on the Professional Golf Association Tour Policy ​Board and the Future Competition Committee – and withdrew his name ​for consideration for the US Ryder Cup captain’s role.

Woods’ health has played a significant ‌role ⁠in his lack of professional activities in recent years. A separate car accident in 2021 injured his lower leg, and he has endured seven back surgeries, including a disk replacement in October. Woods, a ​15-time major champion, ​has failed ⁠to recapture a title since the 2021 accident, last winning at the 2019 Masters.

Woods, 50, remains exempt at ​the Open Championship until the age of 60.

In contrast, ​55-year-old ⁠Phil Mickelson elected to submit an entry for the event, but his participation is in doubt following his absence at several LIV events this ⁠spring ​to attend to an ongoing family health ​situation. Mickelson hasn’t missed an Open Championship since 2009, last winning the event in ​2013.
Woods has won Open Championships in 2000, 2005 and 2006.

—Reuters—