In his press conference at Pinehurst overnight (Australian time), McIlroy told the gathered media that he may be on the verge of a breakthrough, having gone winless in majors since the 2014 PGA at Valhalla.
According to multiple reports from the grounds this week, grandstand seating around Pinehurst No.2 has been collapsing on fans this week after the construction company used screws that were too short in an effort to cut costs.
The 124th US Open at the famed Pinehurst No.2 course will begin on Thursday night, with six Australians in the field for the third men’s major of the year. Jason Day will headline the pack, with Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, Cameron Davis, Adam Scott and Jason Scrivener also in the field.
The USGA has expanded from running three events annually to 15, including championships for all age ranges, team events, international matches and a national competition for adaptive golfers.
Woods joins a list of legendary golfers who have received special exemptions from the USGA that includes Jack Nicklaus (seven times), Arnold Palmer (five times) and Tom Watson (five times).