May 17, 2016 1 min read

FAR HILLS, N.J. – Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen has received a special exemption to this year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont.

Goosen is the first player to receive a special exemption from the USGA since Tom Watson and Vijay Singh were awarded spots to the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

The 47-year-old South African won his first U.S. Open in 2001 at Southern Hills when he three-putted from 12 feet on the final hole and then had to beat Mark Brooks in a playoff. Goosen won in 2004 at Shinnecock Hills by holding off Phil Mickelson.

His 10-year exemption from qualifying expired after 2014. Goosen made it through sectional qualifying last year.

Hale Irwin in 1990 is the last player to win the U.S. Open after getting a special exemption.