Tiger Woods Absent from Initial Field for Hero World Challenge
Tiger Woods has not been included in the initial roster of players announced for the upcoming Hero World Challenge. The 15-time major champion has been away from competitive golf since the 2024 British Open amid various personal and physical challenges. Meanwhile, 17 competitors have officially committed to the 20-man event.
Tiger Woods has not been included in the initial field announced for the Hero World Challenge. The 15-time major winner has remained sidelined from official competitive golf since the 2024 British Open as a result of injuries, surgeries, and legal issues. Recently, Woods agreed to a deal with prosecutors in an impaired-driving case, which resulted in a five-year suspension of his driver's license.
A total of 17 players have formally committed to the 20-man tournament, with the remaining spots scheduled to be announced at a later date. Among those confirmed are world number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama. Scheffler, who claimed back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024, joins Matsuyama in aiming to become the first golfer to capture three titles at Albany.
The confirmed group boasts significant depth, featuring seven of the top 10 players in the world. Along with Scheffler, the field includes Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns, and Xander Schauffele.