Tiger Woods Withdraws from Hero World Challenge, Citing Recovery from Back Surgery
In a move that left fans disappointed but not entirely surprised, Tiger Woods announced on Monday that he will not be competing in next week’s Hero World Challenge. The tournament, which Woods himself hosts annually in the Bahamas, will go on without the 15-time major champion as he continues to recover from his latest back surgery.
The announcement came via a statement on X (formerly Twitter), where Woods expressed his disappointment but also his commitment to his role as tournament host. “I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge, but always look forward to being tournament host and spending the week with [Hero MotoSports],” Woods wrote.
Another Setback in a Long Recovery Journey
Woods’ decision to sit out the event wasn’t entirely unexpected. Back in mid-September, the golf legend revealed that he had undergone what is believed to be his sixth back surgery. This time, the procedure was a micro decompression surgery of the lumbar spine, aimed at relieving nerve impingement in his lower back. The hope is that this will finally put an end to the back spasms and pain that have plagued him throughout the season.
For Woods, this is just the latest chapter in a long and grueling recovery process. The 82-time PGA Tour winner has been battling injuries for years, including the aftermath of a devastating car accident in February 2021. That crash left him with severe injuries to his right ankle and foot, which required surgery to address post-traumatic arthritis. Despite his efforts to return to form, Woods has struggled to regain his dominance on the course.
Who’s In and Who’s Out?
While Woods won’t be competing, he did announce some exciting additions to the 20-man field for the Hero World Challenge, which will take place from December 5-8 at Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas. According to Woods, Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap have received exemptions to join the field. Fans will also be keeping an eye on World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is the defending champion of the event.
Last year, Woods made his first start in more than seven months at the Hero World Challenge, finishing 18th at even par. He was a staggering 20 strokes behind Scheffler, a performance that underscored just how much work lay ahead in his recovery. This year, Woods will be watching from the sidelines, but his presence as host will still be felt throughout the tournament.
A Tough 2024 Season
Woods’ 2024 season has been anything but smooth. He made just five starts, missing the cut in three of those events and withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational due to illness. His best finish came at the Masters, where he placed 60th—last among golfers who made the cut. For a player of Woods’ caliber, these results are a far cry from the dominance he once displayed on the PGA Tour.
At 48 years old, Woods is facing the reality of competing in a sport that demands peak physical condition. While his talent and determination are undeniable, the toll of multiple surgeries and injuries has made it increasingly difficult for him to perform at the highest level. Fans are now left wondering what the future holds for one of golf’s greatest icons.
What’s Next for Tiger?
As of now, Woods has not confirmed whether he will participate in next month’s PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida. The event, which he has played in alongside his son Charlie in the past, is a fan favorite and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional tournaments. Whether or not Woods decides to tee it up, his focus will undoubtedly remain on his recovery and preparing for the 2025 season.
Key Takeaways
- Tiger Woods will not compete in the Hero World Challenge as he continues to recover from back surgery.
- Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap have received exemptions to join the 20-man field.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion of the event.
- Woods’ 2024 season included five starts, three missed cuts, and a 60th-place finish at the Masters.
- Woods has not yet announced if he will play in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie.
While fans may be disappointed by Woods’ absence from the Hero World Challenge, his health and long-term recovery remain the top priority. As the golf world waits to see what’s next for the legendary player, one thing is certain: Tiger Woods’ impact on the sport will continue to be felt, whether he’s on the course or off it.
Originally Written by: Mark Schlabach
