Tiger Woods sparks concern with latest announcement over his playing plans

Tiger Woods will not compete in the Hero World Challenge from Dec. 5 to 8 in Albany, Bahamas, the 15-time major winner said Monday, extending his long absence from the competition.

Tournament host Woods was not in the first field of players last month but was widely expected to take one of three exemption spots for the competition, an unofficial event featuring 20 of the world’s best players.

The American has not competed since missing the British Open Cut in July and then undergoing microdecompression surgery in September due to nerve impact to his lower back.

“I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to compete in the Hero World Challenge this year, but always look forward to being a tournament host,” Woods, 48, wrote on X.

Woods did not give a reason for his absence, but has maintained a limited competition schedule for years due to various injuries.

The tournament’s three exemption spots went to two-time major winner Justin Thomas, 2015 PGA Championship winner Jason Day and 20-year-old Nick Dunlap, who picked up two wins on the tour this year.

Woods last played in The Open at Royal Troon in Scotland in July and missed the cut.

He played five tournaments in 2024, finishing 60th in the Masters and missing the cut in the other three major tournaments.

Speaking in September, Woods was optimistic he would play again in the near future.

“The surgery went smoothly and I am hopeful that this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I experienced for most of the 2024 season,” Woods said in a statement at the time.

“I look forward to tackling this rehabilitation and preparing myself to resume normal life activities, including golf.”

After Woods hosts next week, golf fans will likely next see him join Rory McIlroy at the launch of his ‘TGL’ golf competition.

The indoor competition, conceived in part in response to the rise of the Saudi-backed LIV tour, will feature 24 PGA Tour members, competing in teams.

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