Tiger Woods is missing in action (MIA) and will not be among the players in the initial field announced for the 2026 Hero World Challenge, but the tournament host could still make an appearance at the December event in the Bahamas.
The 20-player tournament is scheduled for December 3–6 at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas. Organizers have confirmed 17 competitors, leaving three exemption spots available that could provide Woods with an opportunity to return to competitive golf.
The 15-time major champion has not played in an official tournament since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland, where he missed the cut. Injuries and multiple surgeries have kept the golf legend away from competition, leaving fans waiting for a clearer indication of when he might return.
Woods also faces challenges away from the course. In September 2026, he accepted a five-year suspension of his driver’s license following a legal agreement with prosecutors in an impaired-driving case. His recovery, personal circumstances and readiness to compete will likely influence any decision about his playing schedule.
Despite Woods’ absence from the initial announcement, the tournament has assembled a strong international field led by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama.
Scheffler captured consecutive Hero World Challenge titles in 2023 and 2024, while Matsuyama won the tournament in 2016 and again in 2025. Both players will attempt to become the first three-time winner at Albany.
Seven of the world’s top 10 players are currently included in the field. Joining Scheffler are Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns and Xander Schauffele.
The lineup gives the limited-field event considerable star power, even as attention remains focused on whether Woods will use one of the remaining exemptions.
The Hero World Challenge is an unofficial PGA Tour event hosted by Woods and supports the TGR Foundation’s charitable and educational initiatives. Although the tournament does not carry the status of a regular official PGA Tour competition, it traditionally attracts many of the sport’s leading players.
For Woods, participation would represent a potential step toward competitive golf after an extended absence. However, his name being missing from the initial field means no return has been confirmed.
Tournament organizers are expected to announce the remaining players at a later date. Until then, the possibility of Woods competing in the Bahamas remains open, but uncertain.
