Tiger Woods will not compete in the Dec. 5-8 Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas, the 15-times major winner said on Monday, extending his long absence from competition.
Tournament host Woods was not listed on the initial player field last month but had been widely expected to take one of three exemption spots for the competition, an unofficial event that features 20 of the world’s top players.
The American has not competed since he missed the British Open cut in July and subsequently underwent microdecompression surgery for nerve impingement on his lower back in September.
‘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,’ the 48-year-old Woods wrote on X.
Woods did not cite a reason for his absence but has kept a limited competitive schedule for years due to several injuries.
The tournament’s three exemption spots went to two-time major winner Justin Thomas, 2015 PGA Championship winner Jason Day and 20-year-old Nick Dunlap, who picked up a pair of wins on the tour this year.
Tiger Woods will not compete in the Dec. 5-8 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas
Woods has only played in five tournaments this year and only completed one – The Masters
Woods last played in The Open at Royal Troon in Scotland in July, missing the cut.
He played five tournaments in 2024, finishing 60th in the Masters and missing the cut in the other three major tournaments.
Speaking back in September, Woods was optimistic that he would be back playing in the near future.
‘The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,’ Woods said in a statement at the time.
‘I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.’
After Woods plays host next week, then next time golf fans will see him will likely be at the launch of his ‘TGL’ golf league alongside Rory McIlroy.
The indoor competition, devised in part as a response to the emergence of the Saudi-backed LIV tour, will have 24 PGA Tour members on board, competing in teams.
Woods plans to play in the event, as it stands, which starts on Jan. 7.
