Tiger Woods Withdraws from 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, Ending Hopes for Major Comeback

June 15, 2025 — Tiger Woods, one of golf’s most celebrated icons, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, dashing fans’ hopes for another major championship comeback. Woods, a three-time U.S. Open champion, is sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in March, marking the third consecutive major he will miss this season.

Woods’ absence is especially poignant given Oakmont’s storied history and his own near-miss at the venue, where he finished tied for second in 2007. The 125th U.S. Open, set in Pittsburgh, is renowned for its punishing layout, a challenge Woods himself described in a recent Instagram video: “There is no pretending when it comes to Oakmont. The golf course is expansive, indeed, but there’s no escaping its challenges. You simply must strike the golf ball effectively, and it benefits those who can drive the ball farther, due to the layout and the intricacies”.

Despite not competing, Woods’ insights have shaped pre-tournament discussions, with his warning about Oakmont’s relentless difficulty resonating across the golf world. “It’s crucial to miss the ball in the right areas... because if you don’t, the consequences can be severe!” Woods emphasized, highlighting the precision required for success at the famed course.

Woods’ withdrawal has shifted the spotlight to other contenders, including Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a PGA Championship win, and Bryson DeChambeau, whose long drives and recent U.S. Open victory at Pinehurst make him a favorite for Oakmont’s demanding setup. As new stars emerge, Woods’ legacy and the void left by his absence continue to dominate headlines.

Meanwhile, the global fascination with the “tiger” name extended beyond golf this week. Wildlife authorities in India reported the successful capture and release of a Royal Bengal tiger in the Sundarbans, while conservationists in Panna Tiger Reserve celebrated promising population data—underscoring the enduring allure of both Tiger Woods and his namesake in nature.

As the U.S. Open unfolds without its most iconic figure, fans and players alike are reminded of the sport’s unforgiving nature and the enduring impact of Tiger Woods on the game he helped define.