Can Tiger Woods compete in the 2024 Hero World Challenge? Availability explored

This year's edition of the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods, is all set to take place at the Albany Golf Course. The event, which is a benefit for the Tiger Woods Foundation, will be played between December 5 to December 8 and will feature some of the biggest names in golf.

However, the bigger question is that while the Hero World Challenge will feature top golfers from around the world, will Tiger Woods play? Per the star-studded field released for the event, it seems like the 15-time Major championship winner won't be playing.

However, it's important to note that there are three 'To Be Announced' exemption spots to be filled. In the last few years, these spots have been reserved for Tiger Woods. It remains to be seen if Woods uses one of these exemptions this year too, to play at the Hero World Challenge.

It's also important to note that the American golf legend recently underwent surgery. In September, Woods' team mentioned in a statement that the golfer had undergone a microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back.

Before the surgery, Tiger Woods competed in five events on the PGA Tour in 2024. However, he was not successful in any of these tournaments. Woods started his season by withdrawing from The Genesis Invitational after two rounds due to an illness.

Later, he played at the Masters Tournament finishing 60th. However, in the next three Major championships, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship, Woods missed the cut. Post his outing at the Royal Troon Golf Club, Woods did not compete in a single event.

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A look at the field announced for the 2024 Hero World Challenge hosted by Tiger Woods

The 2024 Hero World Challenge, which will take place at the Albany Golf Course will feature 20 big names. As per the list that's been released, the 17 confirmed players are from 7 different countries.

Here is a detailed look at the 20-man star-studded field for the 2024 Hero World Challenge:

Scottie Scheffler

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 1

Ludvig Åberg

• Country: Sweden
• OWGR Ranking: 5

Wyndham Clark

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 6

Hideki Matsuyama

• Country: Japan
• OWGR Ranking: 7

Patrick Cantlay

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 9

Sahith Theegala

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 12

Keegan Bradley

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 13

Russell Henley

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 15

Robert MacIntyre

• Country: Scotland
• OWGR Ranking: 16

Sam Burns

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 17

Brian Harman

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 19

Sungjae Im

• Country: Republic of Korea
• OWGR Ranking: 20

Tony Finau

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 21

Tom Kim

• Country: Republic of Korea
• OWGR Ranking: 23

Aaron Rai

• Country: England
• OWGR Ranking: 24

Billy Horschel

• Country: USA
• OWGR Ranking: 25

Matthieu Pavon

• Country: France
• OWGR Ranking: 26

TBA tournament exemption

TBA tournament exemption

TBA tournament exemption