Tiger Woods Delays Comeback, Withdraws from Hero World Challenge
Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods has announced that he will not compete in the upcoming Hero World Challenge, scheduled to take place in December in the Bahamas. The tournament, which Woods hosts, was anticipated to mark his return to competitive golf following an extended absence.
Woods has not played professionally since The Open Championship at Royal Troon in July, where he hinted at a possible comeback. However, his recovery following a significant back surgery has pushed back his plans.
In September, Woods underwent a microdiscectomy procedure on his lumbar spine to address nerve impingement issues. This surgery, one of several he has undergone during his illustrious career, was necessary to alleviate chronic discomfort but has required a prolonged recovery period.
Expressing his disappointment, Woods shared a statement on X (formerly Twitter):
> “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.”
While fans and the golfing world hoped for his participation, Woods acknowledged that returning to competition at this stage would be premature.
Despite his absence from the field, Woods remains actively involved in the event. The Hero World Challenge will still boast a strong lineup of players. Recently, Woods confirmed the addition of Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap to the roster, filling the tournament’s three remaining slots.
As Woods continues his recovery, his presence as host will be a testament to his enduring influence in the golfing world. Fans will now eagerly await updates on his progress, with hopes of seeing him back in action in 2024.