Tiger grouped with McIlroy, Scott at U.S. Open

Three-time winner Tiger Woods will play with Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Adam Scott of Australia next week in the first two rounds of the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. The trio rank first, second and third in the world, respectively.

It marks the first time the 37-year-old Woods and 24-year-old McIlroy will be paired together in a major championship. Woods captured the U.S. Open in 2000 at Pebble Beach, 2002 at Bethpage State Park and in 2008 at Torrey Pines. McIlroy won the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club, and Scott won the Masters in April.

Woods has had a great season, winning four times on the PGA TOUR. He tops the circuit in FedExCup points and money earnings.

Woods, McIlroy and Scott will begin opening-round play next Thursday at 1:14 p.m. ET on the first tee. On Friday, they start on the 11th tee at 7:44 a.m.