Golf legend Tiger Woods has not been included in the initial field for December’s Hero World Challenge, although three exemption places remain available for the tournament host.
The 15-time major champion was absent from the first 17 players announced for the December 3-6 event at Albany in the Bahamas, extending the wait for confirmation of his return to conventional tournament golf.
Woods has not competed in an official 72-hole event since missing the cut at The Open at Royal Troon in July 2024.
However, his absence from the initial Hero field does not completely rule out an appearance.
Three places in the 20-player tournament remain unfilled and will be allocated through tournament exemptions, with the remaining field to be announced later.
Strong Field Heading To Albany
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama headline the players already confirmed.
Scheffler won consecutive Hero World Challenge titles in 2023 and 2024, while Matsuyama claimed his second Albany victory last year.
Both therefore have the opportunity to become the first three-time winner since the tournament moved to the Bahamas.
Seven of the world’s top 10 are currently included, with Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns and Xander Schauffele joining Scheffler among the highest-ranked players.
Justin Thomas, Robert MacIntyre, Tom Kim, Akshay Bhatia and J.J. Spaun are also among the confirmed starters.
Comeback Questions Continue
Woods has recently provided encouraging signs that he is again capable of hitting high-quality golf shots.
He returned to the range during a California clinic this month, where footage showed him hitting full shots and producing his trademark low stinger.
The greater question remains whether his body is ready for the demands of walking and competing across four tournament rounds.
His 2026 season was also disrupted by a March vehicle crash in Florida and subsequent legal proceedings. Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following the crash and later reached a plea agreement that included a reduced reckless-driving charge and a five-year suspension of his driver’s licence.
There has been no subsequent confirmation of when he intends to return to traditional tournament competition.
Three Places Still Available
The Hero World Challenge would provide an obvious potential comeback venue.
Woods hosts the event, the field is limited to 20 players and there is no cut, reducing some of the competitive demands associated with a standard PGA Tour tournament.
He has also enjoyed considerable success at the event, winning it five times.
For now, however, Woods remains outside the field.
The three remaining exemption places mean the possibility of a December return is still alive, but until an announcement is made, golf fans will have to keep waiting.
