Tiger Woods is not included in the initial roster for the Hero World Challenge tournament

The Hero World Challenge tournament, to be held in the Bahamas in December, has announced the first 17 names of its 20-player field. Tiger Woods, who serves as the tournament's host, was not included in the initially announced list. While there are three tournament exemption spots remaining unclaimed in the organization, these spots are expected to be given to names joining the field, which includes seven star players from the world rankings. Important names such as Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns, and Xander Schauffele are included in the initially announced list.

50-year-old Tiger Woods has not competed in any tournament since the 2024 Open Championship. Woods's career and match schedule have been limited following a single-vehicle traffic accident in February 2021 that caused multiple injuries to his legs and required surgery. Having appeared in five events throughout 2024, including four major tournaments, the athlete had also taken the stage at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles, which he also hosts.

Evaluating the possibility of participating in a tournament during the 2026 season in February, Woods could not put this plan into practice. Having been seen hitting golf balls at the practice range of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club course in California last week, the athlete shares the all-time peak in that category with 82 victories won on the PGA Tour in his career. Woods also has 15 major tournament championships, including five Masters victories.