Tiger Woods has officially registered for the 2026 US Senior Open

Tiger Woods has officially registered for the 2026 US Senior Open at Scioto Country Club in Ohio, though the 15-time major champion has yet to decide whether he will actually compete.

The 46th US Senior Open takes place from 2-5 July. 

The US Golf Association (USGA) confirmed Friday that Woods’ entry ensures his eligibility, but his participation remains uncertain. 

“Tiger has entered the championship, simply to ensure eligibility, but will not make a decision about playing until a later date,” a USGA spokesperson told Golfweek.

Woods’ approach mirrors his status at the upcoming Masters, where past champion privileges place him on the official field list, even though he could withdraw if necessary.

The five-time Masters champion said: “I want to play [The Masters]. I love the tournament. I love being there since I was 19 years old. I’m going to be there either way.”

United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday night that Woods would be at Augusta but will not be playing in The Masters from 9-12 April.

It remains to be seen whether POTUS was telling the truth. 

A potential victory at the US Senior Open would mark Woods’ 10th USGA title, moving him ahead of Bob Jones for the most all-time.

Woods returned to competitive action earlier this week in the TGL Finals, hitting only nine shots in his first outing in over a year. 

The 50-year-old has battled significant injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon in March and the seventh back surgery of his career in October 2025. 

The US Senior Open field already features major names including Zach Johnson, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, defending champion Padraig Harrington, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Mike Weir, Stewart Cink, Darren Clarke, and Angel Cabrera.

Scioto Country Club is a historic venue, having previously hosted the Senior Open in 1986 and 2016, as well as other marquee events such as the US Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and US Amateur. 

The venue is famously where 18-time major record holder Jack Nicklaus, the only golfer with more major wins than Woods, learned the game.