Hopes of seeing Tiger Woods tee it up at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas have come to an end as the 15-time major champion confirmed on social media that he is not yet ready for competitive golf.
Woods underwent microdiscectomy surgery on September 13 – the sixth time his back has been operated on in a 10-year span – and despite hailing the surgery designed to alleviate “back spasms and pain” a success, it comes as little surprise that the 10-week interval is not sufficient to see him fit to tee it up in the event he hosts at Albany Golf Club.
“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,” he posted on social media. “Excited to welcome our exemptions @JustinThomas34, @JDayGolf and @NickDunlap62 into the field.”
Woods has played sparingly in recent years, but he has earned a regular presence on the PGA Tour’s December schedule. A year ago he played in the Hero, and has played each of the last several years in the annual PNC Championship alongside his son, Charlie. Woods has still not announced his intentions for the PNC, but he would be able to compete in that event from the comfort of a golf cart, a luxury not afforded at the Hero.
In either case, though, golf fans won’t have to wait long to hear from the man himself. Woods will still be in attendance at the Hero World Challenge, and will give his annual press conference in his role as tournament host.
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