Tiger Woods Rules Himself Out of Hero World Challenge Return

Tiger Woods Rules Himself Out of Hero World Challenge Retur

 

Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will not compete in this year’s Hero World Challenge, scheduled from December 5 to 8 in the Bahamas. The 15-time major winner made the announcement in a social media post on Monday, citing ongoing recovery from surgery.

 

Woods, 48, underwent surgery in September to address persistent back spasms and pain that limited his playing schedule in 2024. Despite initially expressing hope to return for the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship later in December, where he plans to partner with his son Charlie, Woods revealed that he will be unable to compete in his own tournament.

 

In his statement, Woods expressed disappointment about missing the event, while welcoming golfers like Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap to the 20-player field. The Hero World Challenge is an exclusive, invitation-only event hosted by Woods.

 

The golf icon’s recent struggles with injuries have been well-documented. Since his career-threatening car crash in February 2021, Woods has made only 11 competitive appearances. His 2024 season was particularly challenging, with Woods missing the cut in three of the four majors. He finished last among those who made the cut at The Masters, shooting rounds of 82 and 77 on the weekend.

 

Woods has faced numerous health issues over the years, including multiple back surgeries. He had a microdiscectomy in 2014, followed by two more in 2015, and had his lower back fused in 2017. After a microdiscectomy surgery in December 2020, he also sustained serious injuries in his car crash, which involved broken bones in his right leg and ankle.

 

Despite these setbacks, Woods had set an ambitious goal to play a tournament each month in 2024. However, his only other appearance outside the majors was at the Genesis Invitational, where he had to withdraw during his second round due to illness.

 

The Hero World Challenge will still go ahead as scheduled, with top players competing in Woods’ absence, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.