Tiger Woods announced via X on Monday that he would be unable to play in the annual post-season tournament he hosts, the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in two weeks, though typically revealing little else, including a reason why he would not be playing.
“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge,” he posted, while noting that he looks “forward to being tournament host” and spending the week with the tournament benefactor, Hero Moto Corporation. He also announced that he had extended exemptions to Justin Thomas, Jason Day and Nick Dunlap.
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. Excited to welcome our exemptions @JustinThomas34, @JDayGolf and @NickDunlap62 into the field.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 25, 2024
Woods, who will turn 49 next month, announced in September that he underwent a microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine to repair nerve impingement. Woods did not specify a reason for missing the Hero this year. He has played sparingly since he was in a one-car accident in February of 2021, and nearly lost his right leg as a result. It effectively ended his ability to compete on any kind of consistent basis.
However, he is committed to playing with son Charlie in the PNC Championship Dec. 21-22, and likely will use a golf cart, as he has done before.
In 2024, Woods played only five events and missed the cut in four of them. His lowest score in the 12 rounds he played was 72, which he shot three times. He made the cut in the Masters and finished 60th, withdrew from the Genesis Invitational, and missed the cut at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and British Open.
Main Image: Ronald Martinez