Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion, has announced he will not compete in the Hero World Challenge next week in the Bahamas, citing that his body is not ready for competitive play. The news comes after Woods underwent his sixth back surgery in September, a microdecompression procedure aimed at alleviating spasms that plagued him throughout 2024.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done,” Woods reflected earlier this year. Despite optimism from his medical team, Woods acknowledges that his recovery is ongoing. “The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful it will help alleviate the pain I experienced throughout most of the season,” Woods stated via Athlon Sports. “I look forward to tackling rehab and preparing for normal life activities, including golf.”
Woods, who turns 49 on December 30, has faced limited opportunities to play competitive golf in recent years. In 2024, he appeared in five tournaments, making the cut only at the Masters, where he finished 60th. The other events resulted in missed cuts or an early withdrawal, adding to a growing trend: since 2020, Woods has played in just 20 events, with a lone top-10 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open in January 2020.
On Monday, Woods expressed his disappointment via X (formerly Twitter): “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 also welcomed exemptions Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap into the field.
Fans now wonder whether Woods will join his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in December, an event where carts are permitted, potentially easing his participation. As speculation grows about his future in professional golf, one thing remains certain: when it comes to Tiger Woods, patience is a recurring theme.
