Singh given exemption into U.S. Open

FAR HILLS, N.J., June 2 (UPI) -- Vijay Singh, a three-time major tournament winner, Wednesday was given an exemption into this month's U.S. Open.

Singh was schedule to play in a sectional qualifier for the U.S. Open next week but U.S. Golf Association officials offered him an exemption for the event June 17-20 at Pebble Beach, Calif.

Singh, 47, has won the PGA Championship twice and the Masters once but his best finish in the U.S. Open, in which he's competed 16 times, was a tie for third in 1999.

"I'm finally back to good health and really looking forward to competing at Pebble Beach," Singh said. "It's a fantastic event at a legendary venue. I appreciate the invitation from the USGA and can't wait to tee it up."

Thomas J. O'Toole Jr., chairman of the USGA's championship committee, said: "There were many compelling reasons for us to invite Vijay Singh into the field of this year's U.S. Open, particularly his three wins in majors in the last 12 years.

"He has played through injuries, which caused him to drop, quite quickly this year, in the world rankings. He's always been competitive at the U.S. Open and he is healthy and playing well again."