Tom Watson to play in 2010 U.S. Open

FAR HILLS, N.J., April 12 (UPI) -- Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Watson said he will accept a special exemption and play in this year's U.S. Open June 17-20 at Pebble Beach, Calif.

Watson, 60, has one U.S. Open title among his eight major tournament wins. That came in 1982 when he chipped in for birdie on the 17th hole and beat Jack Nicklaus by two strokes. The tournament was also at Pebble Beach.

"I am deeply grateful to the USGA for extending me the invitation to play in the U.S. Open at one of my favorite golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links," Watson said in a release. "Some of my life's favorite times have been spent near Stillwater Cove. I know there will be more this coming June."

It is the fifth time Watson was granted a special exemption into the U.S. Open and each time he finished in the top 30. He lost in a playoff at last year's British Open and finished tied for 18th at the Masters, which ended Sunday.

The six-time PGA player of the year was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.