The golfing community is reeling from the shock announcement that Tiger Woods will not be participating in the Hero World Challenge next month. The icon took to social media to share his regret, stating: "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge," and he continued, "But always look forward to being tournament host and spending the week with @HeroMotoCorp."
Despite a series of injuries, Woods has assured fans he will still be present as the event's host.
In addition to his own status, Woods revealed that Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and rookie Nick Dunlap have received exemptions to play in the esteemed Bahamas tournament.
The absence of the legendary player, who has valiantly played through pain in all this year's majors and persevered at the Genesis Invitational in February until illness struck, will undoubtedly leave fans and fellow competitors feeling a void.
Woods has only managed to complete one full tournament this season – the Masters – and failed to make the cut in other majors, including the PGA Championship, US Open, and most recently The Open Championship, where despite battling the challenging conditions at Royal Troon, he did not qualify for the weekend play.
Woods, after missing the cut in July, has unveiled his intentions stating, "I'm not going to play until then," He was referencing his next appearance at a December event in the Bahamas and at the PNC Championship.
He is keen to compete as a 'proud dad' in the father-son challenge, asserting, "I'm going to just keep getting physically better and keep working on it. Hopefully just come back for our -- what is it, our fifth major, the Father-Son, so looking forward to it."
Despite bowing out of the event in the Bahamas, doubts hang over whether Woods will join son Charlie in the PNC lineup.
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Should he refrain from participating there, fans can eagerly anticipate his return representing Jupiter Links Golf Club at the novel TGL taking place indoors in January.
The champion golfer, who has been a master of Augusta with five wins under his belt, also mentioned additional surgery on his back in September. "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 shared via social media.
"I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf."
