Tongues are wagging and rumors are swirling as Tiger Woods competes this week (for the first time since August) as a headliner at the Hero World Challenge. The invitation-only, star-studded field features a strong line-up of players for the 72-hole, stroke play event. It plans to be covered from all angles by Golf Channel and NBC—ching, ching for broadcast media and the multi-million viewership that is expected.
The Hero World Challenge is co-sponsored by the PGA TOUR and benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation and Tavistock Foundation. It will take place at Isleworth Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Fla., featuring 17 of the PGA TOUR’s best players who are competing
for the $3.5 million purse.
Woods has claimed this tournament’s victory in five times prior. But, that was before his infamous back injury and surgery. Fans, and foes alike, will be conspicuous watching television screens across the world when he makes this debut. Many are looking to see most importantly how Tiger hits it. And the adrenaline is sure to be flowing while spectators try to figure out just how healthy Woods’ back is so far, and what new or old things he will convey during the competition. Woods missed the cut at the PGA Championship in August.
Golf Channel will air live coverage of the Hero World Challenge Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5, followed by weekend coverage on both Golf Channel and NBC, Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.
2014 Hero World Challenge Field
| Player | World Ranking |
| Keegan Bradley | 31st |
| Jason Day | 8th |
| Rickie Fowler | 9th |
| Jim Furyk | 5th |
| Billy Horschel | 14th |
| Zach Johnson | 19th |
| Chris Kirk | 20th |
| Matt Kuchar | 10th |
| Hunter Mahan | 22nd |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 16th |
| Graeme McDowell | 15th |
| Justin Rose | 6th |
| Jordan Spieth | 11th |
| Henrik Stenson | 2nd |
| Steve Stricker | 39th |
| Jimmy Walker | 21st |
| Bubba Watson | 4th |
| Tiger Woods | 24th |
The Tiger Woods Foundation and Tavistock Group announced on December 3, 2014 that the Hero World Challenge will move to Albany, the luxury resort community in The Bahamas jointly owned by Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, beginning in 2015.
Fast becoming known as the “Monaco of the Caribbean,” Albany offers a live, work, play environment unlike any other in the region and features a unique desert links style championship golf course designed by Ernie Els.
