Golf Fans Saddened By Tiger Woods Skipping Upcoming Event
Yesterday at 07:08 PM
Tiger Woods won't return to the golf course at his event.
The 15-time major champion hasn't competed since undergoing back surgery in September, but he hoped to play in the Hero World Challenge. His annual tournament will take place from Dec. 5-8 in the Bahamas.
However, Woods announced Monday that he's not participating. The 48-year-old welcomed Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap into the 20-man field as exemptions.
"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," Woods wrote on social media.
Fans were also bummed by the news.
"Too bad," a fan said. "Always better with Tiger."
"I have loved watching Tiger and Charlie the last two years," a fan said. "But I love this event in general. Hope we see them both next year."
This is very disappointing news, Tiger. But we are looking forward to the tournament as well," CBS Sports producer Lucas Frankel said.
"If he has to miss the Hero to win the Masters, I'll allow it," a fan wrote.
"Rest and get prepped for next year GOAT," a fan advised.
Injuries limited Woods to the four majors and February's Genesis Invitational this year. He finished last out of 60 golfers with his worst career score at The Masters before missing the cut at the next three major tournaments.
Woods missed the cut at Royal Troon Golf Club when last competing at The Open Championship in July. He later underwent microdecompression surgery to treat nerve impingement on his lower back, his sixth back procedure in the last decade.
"The surgery went smoothly, and I'm hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season," Woods said in a statement revealing his surgery in September. "I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf."
His recovery will continue through next week's Hero World Challenge and potentially into 2025.
Related: Tiger Woods Announces He's Skipping Popular Golf Event Next Month
