Woods Announces Absence from December Hero World Challenge

Withdrawal from Self-Hosted Event Competition
Thomas, Day, Dunlap Confirmed as Invited Players
Held in Bahamas for Four Days Starting December 5

The "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) will not participate in the Hero World Challenge (total prize money of $5 million).

Tiger Woods

On the 25th (local time), he announced through his social media (SNS), "It's disappointing, but I will not compete in this year's Hero World Challenge. However, I will fulfill my role as the host throughout the tournament." The Hero World Challenge, held since 2000, is a special event on the PGA Tour held every December. Hosted by the Tiger Woods Foundation, only 20 players participate, including top-ranked players in the world, major championship winners, and sponsor invitees, competing over four days without a cut.

The Hero World Challenge is not an official PGA Tour event, but it does award world ranking points. Woods is the tournament host. He holds the record for the most wins with five victories. Last year's champion was world number one Scottie Scheffler (USA). This year, the event will be held from December 5 to 8 at the Albany Golf Course (par 72) in New Providence, Bahamas.

Woods has often used this tournament as his comeback event even when he took the entire regular season off. His absence from the Hero World Challenge indicates that his physical condition is not at its best. He has only played in five tournaments this year and underwent endoscopic surgery in September to relieve nerve pain in his lower back. He said, "The surgery went well. I expect it will help alleviate the muscle spasms and pain I have experienced throughout this season."

Meanwhile, Woods announced his withdrawal and revealed three invited players on the same day. He invited Justin Thomas (USA), Jason Day (Australia), and Nick Dunlap (USA), who won the American Express as an amateur for the first time in 33 years last January.