Tiger Woods to make first competitive start since Masters withdrawal at Hero World Challenge

CNN
 — 

Tiger Woods is gearing up for his first competitive appearance in seven months at the upcoming Hero World Challenge.

The 47-year-old has been absent from the golfing circuit since his early withdrawal from The Masters back in April. However, he is all set to host the unofficial PGA Tour event and tee off at Albany, The Bahamas, scheduled for November 30.

Woods underwent ankle surgery in May after battling “constant” pain during his three rounds at Augusta National the previous month.

Initially organized in 2000, the Hero World Challenge functions as a fundraiser for Woods’ TGR Foundation. His participation will be part of a 20-player invitational field, including top golfers like world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland, Max Homa, and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Additionally, American golfers Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Justin Thomas are also joining the competition, along with Justin Rose and Lucas Glover who have made their place through tournament exemptions.

Since suffering severe leg injuries from a car crash two years ago, Woods has largely reserved his appearances for the four major championships. Following The Masters, he missed the subsequent flagship events to focus on his recovery from May’s surgery.

Despite his time off the field, Woods was seen occasionally lending his support – and even caddying for – his son Charlie at various junior tournaments.

Most recently, Woods was on bag duty for his son as he won his Junior National Golf Championship qualifier in Orlando in September. He also supported his Benjamin School boys team as they clinched the Florida High School state championship earlier this month.

Looking ahead, Woods is slated to participate in The TGL, a televised indoor golf league established in partnership with the PGA Tour and created by TMRW Sports, a company co-founded by Woods alongside Rory McIlroy.