Tiger Woods not part of initial Hero World Challenge field

FILE PHOTO: Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, has not competed ‌in an official event since ‌the ⁠2024 British Open due to ⁠a combination of injuries, surgeries and legal complications.  | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Tournament host Tiger Woods was not listed in ​the initial player field released on ‌Monday for the December 3 to ​6 Hero World Challenge ⁠in Albany, Bahamas, but could still be added as one of the ‌three exemption spots.

The 15-time major champion has not competed ‌in an official event since ‌the ⁠2024 British Open due to ⁠a combination of injuries, surgeries and legal complications. Woods accepted a five-year suspension ​of his driver’s ‌license last month after reaching a deal with prosecutors in his impaired-driving case.

World number one Scottie ‌Scheffler and defending champion Hideki ​Matsuyama are among the 17 players who have officially ⁠committed to the Hero World Challenge’s 20-man field. Scheffler, who won ‌back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and Matsuyama are both looking to become the first three-time winner at Albany.

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In total, seven of the top 10 players ‌in the world are among those ​in the field, a group that in addition to Scheffler ⁠includes Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell ⁠Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns and Xander Schauffele.