Tiger Woods gets US Open payday despite missing the cut at Pinehurst as unusual tradition revealed
TIGER WOODS will come away with a portion of the US Open prize money despite missing the cut.
The golf legend finished his second round on a score of seven over par, so he missed the cut by two shots.
But a change in US Open rules means Woods is set to cash in – along with every other tournament participant.
All 156 players competing at Pinehurst is guaranteed at least £7,800, even if they miss the cut.
As a result, the total prize purse of the US Open has increased by around £1.2million to a staggering £17m.
While the winner will be awarded £3.3m – up by £300,000 from last year.
Woods, 48, has struggled for form this year after also missing the cut at the two previous majors this year – The Masters and the PGA Championship.
The three-time US Open champion failed to qualify for this major on merit for the first time in his career, meaning he needed a special exemption from the United States Golf Association.
However he is not guaranteed a place at next year’s competition, so Woods did not rule out this appearance being his last.
He said: “As far as my last Open Championship or US Open, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.
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Here are some of the most high-profile beauties…
- This former beauty pageant contestant is now an actress and featured in Sharknado 5.
- The daughter of an ice hockey legend who has been branded the ‘world’s sexiest caddie’.
- A Master golfer raced home from his most recent triumph to be by his wife’s side as she gave birth to their first child.
- An athlete who vaulted her way into a modelling career – and her golfer hubby’s heart.
- A keen tennis player and former competitor in the javelin lived with her ex-world No1 husband for two years before getting together.
- Playing off a handicap of three, this sports reporter could give her fella a run for his money on the greens.
- This low-key beauty got married to a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast who has been her husband’s rock for 14 years – he even pays tribute to her on his golf balls.
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“It’s one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut.
“I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating.
“I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn’t work out.
“That was probably the best score I could have possibly shot today.
“I’ve only got one more tournament this season. I don’t think even if I win the British Open, I don’t think I’ll be in the PGA Tour play-offs.
“Just one more event and then I’ll come back whenever I come back.”