Woods Missing From Initial Hero World Challenge Lineup

October 22, (THEWILL) – Tiger Woods remains absent from the initial player field for the Hero World Challenge, scheduled for December 5-8 in Albany, Bahamas. However, the tournament host could still receive one of three remaining exemption spots for the limited-field event.

The 15-time major champion underwent micro-decompression surgery for nerve impingement in his lower back in September. The 48-year-old has not competed since missing the cut at the British Open in July, and no updates regarding his recovery status have emerged.

His 2024 campaign included five tournament appearances, with a withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational due to illness, a 60th-place finish at the Masters, and three consecutive missed cuts at major championships. Following his British Open performance, Woods indicated he would take time away from official tournaments for the remainder of the year, targeting a return at the Hero World Challenge.

The 2023 Hero World Challenge marked Woods’s first competitive appearance in nearly eight months following ankle surgery, resulting in an 18th-place finish. This year’s tournament features 17 confirmed participants in what will be a 20-player field.

Current world number one Scottie Scheffler leads the commitment list, accompanied by 2016 champion Hideki Matsuyama and 2025 Team USA Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley among the confirmed participants for the unofficial PGA Tour event.