Tiger Woods withdrew from the 2011 U.S. Open Championship on Tuesday, June 7, because of knee and Achilles injuries.
The alternate who will take his place is 23-year-old amateur Michael Whitehead from Sugar Land, Texas, who competed in sectional qualifying on June 6 at Dallas Athletic Club’s Blue Course. Whitehead shot rounds of 68-68—136 to earn the first alternate position.
“We are disappointed that Tiger Woods, a three-time champion, will not be able to play in the 2011 U.S. Open,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “We completely understand that he is not fully recovered from his injuries and we wish him a speedy recovery. The excitement that he generates will be missed, but the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club will surely provide an excellent test for the 156 world-class players in the field of this national championship.”
Woods, a nine-time USGA champion, has played in 16 consecutive U.S. Opens starting with his first appearance in 1995 at Shinnecock Hills where he withdrew with a wrist injury. He won the national championship in 2000, 2002 and 2008.
Anders Hansen also withdrew because of an injury. The alternate who will take his place is Jason Dufner, who competed in sectional qualifying on June 6 at Hawks Ridge G.C. in Ball Ground, Ga. Dufner shot 69-64—133 to earn the first alternate position.