NEW YORK – Tournament host Tiger Woods will not compete in the Dec 4 to 7 Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas, according to the final player field released on Oct 29.
When the initial field was announced three weeks ago, there was hope Woods would be added later as one of three exemption spots, but he has since undergone lumbar disc replacement surgery and his return date is unknown.
The 15-time Major champion has not competed since he missed the British Open cut in July 2024 and also had surgery in March to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
According to organisers of the Hero World Challenge, a charity event that benefits Woods’ foundation, the final three players who will round out the 20-player field are Jordan Spieth, the 2014 winner; Billy Horschel; and Akshay Bhatia.
Two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler and 2016 winner Hideki Matsuyama of Japan were previously announced as being among those who had committed to the event.
Woods turns 50 on Dec 30 and therefore would be eligible to compete in the PGA Tour Champions in 2026, but he has not revealed his hand in that regard.
And, to be fair, it is not his hand that is the issue. It is his back, as in the recent surgery that throws into question any kind of competitive golf.
With that said, PGA Tour Champions president Miller Brady told Golf Channel that the tour is ready should Woods try his luck on the senior circuit.
“The answer is yes, we’re ready. We’re well-prepared,” Brady said. “We’ve done some whiteboarding over the past year in preparation for Tiger turning 50, and if and when he plays, our tournaments will be prepared.”
So what type of preparations are being considered?
“It is going to be more. And you mentioned it – security, buses, portalets, concession stands – all of that is taken into account when we prepare for (Woods playing),” he said.
Brady, however, opted to keep it simple, given Woods’ recent surgery.
“To be honest with you, given the last surgery, I just hope that Tiger gets back on his feet and is able to play golf again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau reportedly plans to stay with LIV Golf.
According to the social media account Flushing It, the two-time US Open champion and LIV Golf are working to finalise terms on a new deal before February’s 2026 season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One of the Saudi-backed circuit’s biggest stars, DeChambeau first joined LIV Golf during its initial season in June 2022. His current contract runs through the end of 2026.
DeChambeau, 32, has won three times individually in the breakaway series, while his Crushers FC won the team championship in 2023.
He is No. 23 in the Official World Golf Ranking. REUTERS
PGA TourTiger WoodsSurgeryScottie SchefflerGolf players
