Tiger Woods offers last-minute advice to U.S. Open field: "There is no way around it"

Tiger Woods may not be in the field for this week's U.S. Open.

But the legendary golfer has offered some last-minute advice to the 156-man field before the third men's major of the year gets underway. 

Woods won the U.S. Open on three occasions (2000, 2002, 2008) and while none of those victories arrived at Oakmont, he knows what to expect.

"There is no faking about Oakmont," Woods said in a video posted on Instagram.

"The golf course is big, yes, but it's just -- there is no way around it. 

"You just have to hit the golf ball well, and it favours longer hitters, just because of the degrees, the complexes.

"It just helps so much to be coming with shorter iron, to be able to sock the ball. 

"It's about missing the ball on correct spots, because if you don't, it's horrible." 

Woods has competed at Oakmont in the U.S. Open on three occasions. 

In 1994, he missed the cut as an 18-year-old amateur. 

He finished second to Angel Cabrera in 2007 and missed the 2016 U.S. Open through injury. 

Why isn't Tiger Woods playing in the U.S. Open?

Woods is still on the comeback trail. 

In March, Woods sadly announced he ruptured his left Achilles whilst he was preparing for the 2025 Masters. 

He did not set out a timeline for his recovery but he has been ruled out of all the remaining majors. 

Woods could potentially play in the PNC Championship with his teenage son Charlie this December before attempting another comeback in 2026.

Although Woods' absence will be felt this week, it's important to point out that had he not been injured his appearance at Oakmont would have been doubtful anyway. 

Woods' five-year exemption into the major following his 2019 Masters win has expired. 

He was only able to play the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2 courtesy of a special invitation. 

Whether Woods would accept another invite is up for debate. 

In the future, it also seems unlikely that Woods would put himself through the gruelling 36-hole qualifier.