The golfing icon will not compete in the 2024 edition of his signature tournament in the Bahamas due to ongoing injury recovery.

Tiger Woods has announced with regret that he will not be competing in the 2024 Hero World Challenge, a tournament he not only hosts but is also a fan favourite in. The 15-time major winner made the announcement this week, explaining that he will miss the December event in the Bahamas due to ongoing recovery from surgery earlier this year.

The Hero World Challenge, set to begin on December 5 at Albany Golf Club, will see 20 of the world’s top golfers battle it out for the prestigious, albeit unofficial, title. Woods, who has long been a part of the tournament, was expected to take up one of the exemptions offered to past champions and elite players. However, after a series of injuries in recent years, including back surgery in September, the 48-year-old will instead focus on his duties as tournament host.

“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year, but I always look forward to being tournament host,” Woods wrote in a statement on social media. Fans and players alike were eager to see the legend return to competitive golf, but Woods’ commitment to his health remains a priority as he continues his recovery. His absence has prompted questions about his future on the course, though his role as host ensures he will still play a part in the event’s success.

Woods has battled with injuries for years, and his playing schedule has been significantly reduced as a result. His last competitive appearance came in July at The Open, where he was unable to make the cut. This latest blow follows a series of health setbacks, including the back surgery Woods underwent after The Open, making this year’s absence from his own event particularly poignant. Despite his personal disappointment, Woods is expected to be involved in the tournament, fulfilling his role as host with his trademark enthusiasm.

The Hero World Challenge, however, will not lack excitement, with other top golfers stepping in to fill Woods’ spot. The three exemption places for this year’s edition have been taken up by American golfers Justin Thomas and Nick Dunlap, as well as Australia’s Jason Day. Thomas, a familiar face on the PGA Tour, has long been considered a successor in Woods’ tradition of competitive play. Dunlap, the talented young American, is eager to show what he can do on the world stage, while Day, who has enjoyed a stellar career of his own, brings a wealth of experience.

Though Woods will not take part in the action, his presence will still be felt at the tournament. Fans who have followed his illustrious career will have the chance to see him as he guides the event from behind the scenes. The Hero World Challenge has always been a special occasion for Woods, combining his passion for golf with his desire to give back to the game that has given him so much.

Woods’ decision to forgo competitive play this year was not a surprise, considering his physical limitations in recent seasons. After the intense back surgery in September, his rehabilitation process has made it clear that returning to the physical demands of competitive golf may take time. However, he remains hopeful about his future, with some speculating that 2025 could mark his return to the professional circuit.

The Hero World Challenge is a unique event in the golfing calendar. It is not part of the official PGA Tour but remains a significant fixture, bringing together the game’s brightest stars in a relaxed and prestigious setting. With Woods sidelined, the event will still boast a thrilling lineup, but fans will undoubtedly miss seeing the man who has shaped the sport over the past two decades.

As for Woods, the disappointment of not being able to compete is tempered by his unwavering passion for the game. Even though he will not be teeing off alongside his peers, he will still be an integral part of the event’s atmosphere and legacy. His involvement will no doubt inspire the next generation of golfers, both on the course and off it.