If you want a preview of what's going to happen to Tiger Woods starting in 2019, look no further than what happened to Retief Goosen on Tuesday. The Goose got a special exemption into the 2016 U.S. Open which he was not qualified to receive. Goosen won the 2001 U.S. Open as well as the 2004 U.S. Open but exemptions only last for 10 years (Masters and PGA Championship are for life, British Open is until age 60).
Goosen got the exemption from the USGA mostly because he's a two-time winner.
"I am incredibly grateful to receive a special exemption into the 2016 U.S. Open," said Goosen in a press release. "It is, of course, a very special championship for me, having managed to win it twice and I am delighted to know that I will be in the field again this year."
That brings us back to Tiger. This is likely what he will be playing U.S. Opens on for a while unless he can get his world ranking up (or unless he retires). Woods won the 2008 U.S. Open so his exemption runs through 2018. After that, it's probably on to special exemptions.
The last player to receive a special exemption into the U.S. Open was Tom Watson in 2010 at Pebble Beach. He made the cut. It's more rare than you think too. Only Watson, Nick Price (2005) and Vijay Singh (2005) have received the exemption in the last 10 years.
