Tiger Woods registers for the U.S. Senior Open but does not appear on the initial list.

Tiger Woods, one of the most iconic names in golf, is in the spotlight following the announcement that he has entered the U.S. Senior Open, even though his name did not appear on the initial participant list released by the USGA. While Woods’ absence from the list may raise questions about his physical condition, the 15-time major champion is, in fact, eligible to compete on the over-50 circuit, which includes five senior championships this year.

After a period of injuries that have significantly affected him in recent years, Woods has expressed his desire to be part of this new chapter in his career, especially since the senior circuit allows the use of golf carts. However, three months into the season, Woods has yet to make his debut, as he is still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury and back surgery. Recently, he returned to a virtual golf event, the TGL, but fans are eager to see him back on real courses.

The USGA, in statements to Golf Digest, confirmed that Woods has entered the championship to secure his eligibility, but the decision on his final participation will come later. “Tiger entered the championship simply to ensure eligibility,” said a USGA spokesperson. With the Masters rapidly approaching, set to take place in less than two weeks, anticipation surrounding Woods’ participation is growing, even with rumors that former President Donald Trump has claimed Woods will not compete in Augusta but will be present on the grounds.

Following his last official appearance at the 2024 Open Championship held at Royal Troon, Woods joins other players who have recently turned 50, such as Zach Johnson, Henrik Stenson, and Ian Poulter. Among the exempt players are the current U.S. Senior Open champion, Padraig Harrington, as well as legends like Ernie Els, Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Vijay Singh, Mike Weir, Stewart Cink, Darren Clarke, and Angel Cabrera.

This year’s U.S. Senior Open will take place at the prestigious Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. This course is one of the few to have hosted the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the U.S. Amateur, and it previously hosted the U.S. Senior Open in 1986 and 2016. Known as the place where Jack Nicklaus learned to play golf, Scioto underwent a major restoration in 2021 by Andrew Green. The championship is set to begin on July 2, and golf fans around the world will be closely watching Tiger Woods’ progress as he considers his return to the competitive world of senior golf.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.