It’s not the news most golf fans wanted but it’s probably not surprising.
On Monday afternoon, Tiger Woods announced on social media that he will not compete in the upcoming Hero World Challenge, his annual bash in the Bahamas.
“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,” he wrote.
He also broke some other news. It was about a month ago that the initial field list was released with 17 names. Tiger’s update on Monday added that the last three spots will go to new dad Justin Thomas, Jason Day and Nick Dunlap.
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 @HeroMotoCorp. Excited to welcome our exemptions @JustinThomas34, @JDayGolf and @NickDunlap62 into the field.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 25, 2024
Woods, who finished 18th in the 20-man field in 2023, is a five-time past champion of the event. He had microdecompression surgery on his lower back Sept. 13 to relieve nerve impingement and back pain.
He hasn’t announced when he plans to try to play again. He often has used the Hero World Challenge as a barometer of how his body is feeling in a 72-hole, no-cut event and work off some rust after a layoff. Woods last played at the British Open in July.
The 2024 Hero returns to Albany for the ninth year, from Dec. 5-8.
Golfweek’s Adam Scupak contributed to this article.
2024 Hero World Challenge field
| Golfer | Country |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | U.S. |
| Ludvig Aberg | Sweden |
| Wyndham Clark | U.S. |
| Hideki Matsuyama | Japan |
| Patrick Cantlay | U.S. |
| Sahith Theegala | U.S. |
| Keegan Bradley | U.S. |
| Russell Henley | U.S. |
| Robert MacIntyre | Scotland |
| Sam Burns | U.S. |
| Brian Harman | U.S. |
| Sungjae Im | Korea |
| Tony Finau | U.S. |
| Tom Kim | Korea |
| Aaron Rai | England |
| Billy Horschel | U.S. |
| Matthieu Pavon | France |
| Justin Thomas | U.S. |
| Jason Day | Australia |
| Nick Dunlap | U.S. |
..
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