GOLF

Tiger Woods says he's 'disappointed' to be a no-go for the 2024 Hero World Challenge

Todd Kelly
USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 25, 2024, 6:18 p.m. ET
Tiger Woods plays his shot from the fourth tee during the final round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course on December 03, 2023 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

It's not the news most golf fans wanted but it's probably not surprising.

On Monday afternoon, Tiger Woods announced on social media that he will not compete in the upcoming Hero World Challenge, his annual bash in the Bahamas.

"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," he wrote.

He also broke some other news. It was about a month ago that the initial field list was released with 17 names. Tiger's update on Monday added that the last three spots will go to new dad Justin Thomas, Jason Day and Nick Dunlap.

Woods, who finished 18th in the 20-man field in 2023, is a five-time past champion of the event. He had microdecompression surgery on his lower back Sept. 13 to relieve nerve impingement and back pain.

He hasn’t announced when he plans to try to play again. He often has used the Hero World Challenge as a barometer of how his body is feeling in a 72-hole, no-cut event and work off some rust after a layoff. Woods last played at the British Open in July.

The 2024 Hero returns to Albany for the ninth year, from Dec. 5-8.

Golfweek's Adam Scupak contributed to this article.

2024 Hero World Challenge field

The latest update:

  • Akshay Bhatia, Cameron Young IN
  • Hideki Matsuyama, Billy Horschel OUT
GolferCountry
Scottie SchefflerU.S.
Ludvig AbergSweden
Wyndham ClarkU.S.
Akshay BhatiaU.S.
Patrick CantlayU.S.
Sahith TheegalaU.S.
Keegan BradleyU.S.
Russell HenleyU.S.
Robert MacIntyreScotland
Sam BurnsU.S.
Brian HarmanU.S.
Sungjae ImKorea
Tony FinauU.S.
Tom KimKorea
Aaron RaiEngland
Cameron YoungU.S.
Matthieu PavonFrance
Justin ThomasU.S.
Jason DayAustralia
Nick DunlapU.S.

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