Tiger Woods Set to Return to Competition at Hero World Challenge Following Masters Withdrawal

Tiger Woods will be making his long-awaited return to competitive golf after a seven-month hiatus at the Hero World Challenge later this month. Despite not having played in a tournament since his withdrawal from The Masters in April, the 47-year-old will be serving as the tournament host and will tee off at the unofficial PGA Tour event in Albany, The Bahamas, on November 30, as announced by organizers on Saturday.

In May, Woods had ankle surgery after experiencing persistent pain during his three rounds at Augusta National. This was his second competitive appearance of 2023. The Hero World Challenge, which started in 2000 as a benefit for his TGR Foundation, will have Woods participating as one of the 20 players invited to the tournament. This invitational field includes top players such as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland, Max Homa, and Matt Fitzpatrick, among others.

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Thomas, all American golfers, are scheduled to participate in the tournament. Additionally, Justin Rose and Lucas Glover have received exemptions to compete. Despite this, Tiger Woods, a fifteen-time major winner, has focused on playing in the four major championships following his car accident two years ago, resulting in severe leg injuries. As a result, he was unable to attend the three major tournaments that followed The Masters as he recovered from surgery performed in May.

In Orlando, Florida on December 18, 2022, Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods from the United States, showcases his golfing talent by confidently taking his tee shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the 2022 PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. This captivating moment was captured by David Cannon/Getty Images.

David Cannon/Getty Images/File

Tiger Woods son Charlie wins high school state golf championship

Despite not being completely absent from the course, he made appearances at different times to provide support and even acted as a caddie for his son Charlie in several junior tournaments. In September, Woods assumed the responsibility of carrying the bag for his son during his victory in the Junior National Golf Championship qualifier in Orlando. Furthermore, he played a supportive role as his 14-year-old son contributed to his Benjamin School boys team's triumph in the Florida High School state championship earlier this month.

In January, Woods is slated to play in The TGL, a televised indoor golf league staged in partnership with the PGA Tour and created by TMRW Sports, a company he co-founded alongside Rory McIlroy.