Tiger Woods will not compete next week at the Hero World Challenge, which he hosts every December in the Bahamas.
He announced on social media.
“Although I am disappointed not to be able to compete in the Hero World Challenge this year, I always look forward to hosting the tournament and spending the week with Hero Motor Corporation.” Woods told X on monday.
“We are excited to welcome Justin Thomas, Jason Day and Nick Dunlap to the field on waivers.”
Woods and the Hero World Challenge announced on October 22 the first 17 commitments to this year's tournament. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will be there to defend his title. The same goes for Ludwig Oberg, Windham Clark, and Hideki Matsuyama. However, during the initial announcement, Woods left three sponsor exemptions available to round out the 20-man field, leaving the door open for him to play competitively for the first time since July. He then missed the cut at the Open at Royal Troon.
However, Woods' ability to compete next week is hampered by another hip surgery in mid-September. He underwent lumbar microdecompression surgery on September 13th due to nerve impingement in his lower back.
“The surgery went well and we are hopeful that it will reduce the back spasm and pain that he was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season.” Woods said in a statement regarding X. In September.
“I look forward to working on this rehabilitation and getting ready to return to normal life activities, including golf.”
Woods has not yet announced his plans for 2025 regarding his playing schedule, but he is scheduled to answer questions next week in the Bahamas as tournament host. The next time fans will likely see him play will probably be at Augusta National in April.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
