At the moment, Tiger Woods will not participate At the Hero World Challenge.
The Hero World Challenge, which Woods hosts in the Bahamas every December, is a made-for-TV event with 20 competitors. The 15-time major champion typically competes in the event every year when healthy. Although he missed out on the match against Royal Troon in July, he has expressed his intention to play again this year.
When asked in July about playing in the Bahamas, Woods said, “I have no intention of playing until then.”
“I want to continue working hard to improve my physical condition.”
He also said he plans to compete again at the PNC Championship in Orlando, a parent-child event for the PGA Tour Champions.
However, another secret operation in mid-September jeopardized that plan. Woods underwent lumbar microdecompression surgery on September 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida due to a 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..
“I look forward to working through this rehabilitation and getting ready to return to normal life activities, including golf.”
That said, Woods left the door open to play. Only 17 players have officially committed, with the remaining three spots reserved for “TBA Tournament Exemptions.” Of course, Woods could use any of that on himself if he feels healthy enough to tee it up.
Last year, Woods finished alone in 18th place as Scottie Scheffler won the title by three strokes over 2023 Ryder Cup newcomer Sepp Straka.
Scheffler plans to defend. The other 16 players participating in this year's Hero World Challenge are:
- Scotty Scheffler
- Ludwig Oberg
- wyndham clark
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Patrick Cantlay
- sahis segara
- keegan bradley
- russell henry
- robert mcintyre
- sam burns
- brian herman
- Im Sung Jae
- Tony Finau
- tom kim
- aaron rye
- billy horschel
- Mathieu Pabon
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.
