The 40-year-old Tiger Woods, who won the last of his 14 major titles in 2008, has registered for the US Open at Oakmont in June

Tiger Woods has formally entered the US Open as he nears a return to competitive action. The 40-year-old, who won the last of his 14 major titles in 2008, has not played since August after undergoing three back operations in the space of 19 months.

But on Monday night the United States Golf Association confirmed that Woods intends to take part at the 2016 US Open, which begins at Oakmont on 16 June.

A USGA spokesman said: He has entered the championship, just like all the exempt players who have that status for the US Open. The deadline for entries to the US Open is this coming Wednesday at 5pm Eastern Time.

“I don’t have the information as to when he entered, but I can confirm he has entered the US Open as have all the other players who hold fully exempt status.”

The former world No. 1 has reportedly been holding lengthy practice sessions and was recently caught on camera hitting shots during a clinic at a junior event.

Woods also registered for the 2014 US Open despite having recently had back surgery but later opted not to play.

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/25/tiger-woods-us-open-submits-entry