Tiger Woods gears up preparation despite uncertain status of Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods ruptured his left Achilles in March ⁠2025 and underwent his seventh back procedure that October, adding to a lengthy injury history that has sharply limited ‌his tournament schedule. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Tiger Woods is increasing his workload as he works toward another competitive comeback, though Tuesday he stopped ​short of saying he will play in next month’s Hero ‌World Challenge.

“I’m feeling better, no doubt about ​that,” Woods told SiriusXM PGA Tour ⁠Radio. “I’ve been training quite a bit.”

Woods, 50, hosts the Hero World Challenge, which will be played December 3-6 at Albany ‌in the Bahamas. He confirmed he will attend but laughed as he left his playing ‌status unresolved.

“I will be at Hero,” Woods ‌said. “I’m ⁠there either way, so I’ll see you there.”

Seventeen ⁠players have been announced for the 20-man, no-cut event, leaving three tournament exemptions available. Woods was not included in the initial field.

The ​15-time major champion last ‌competed March 24, when his Jupiter Links Golf Club lost to Los Angeles Golf Club in the TGL championship match. He has not made an ‌official PGA Tour start since missing the cut ​at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Woods ruptured his left Achilles in March ⁠2025 and underwent his seventh back procedure that October, adding to a lengthy injury history that has sharply limited ‌his tournament schedule.

Three days after playing in the TGL finals in March, Woods was involved in a rollover car crash in Florida and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He subsequently announced he was stepping away from golf to seek treatment ‌and focus on his health.

The Hero could be the first ​of several opportunities for Woods to return before the end of the year. The PNC ⁠Championship, where he has frequently partnered with son Charlie, runs ⁠December 17-20 in Orlando. Jupiter Links is also scheduled to begin its TGL season December ‌27.