Tranlate this title Tiger Woods could make golf return in December after latest tournament update in spanish

Tiger Woods could make his return to competitive golf before the end of 2026 after the Hero World Challenge announced its initial field for the tournament in December.

The 50-year-old American was not among the 17 players confirmed on Monday, October 19. However, three places remain available in the 20-man field, meaning the 15-time Grand Slam-equivalent champion in golf could still receive an invitation to compete.

Woods, who hosts the annual tournament in the Bahamas, has not played an official golf event since the 2024 Open Championship. His absence has been connected to several injuries and surgeries, and the former world No. 1 has not confirmed when he intends to play again.

The Hero World Challenge will take place at Albany Golf Club from December 3 to 6. The organizers have confirmed that the remaining three participants will be announced at a later date.

Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young are among the players already confirmed.

Scheffler won the tournament in 2023 and 2024, while Matsuyama is the defending champion after winning the title last December. Both golfers are hoping to become the first player to win the event three times since it moved to Albany.

Woods has won the Hero World Challenge five times during his career, although all five victories happened before the tournament moved to its current venue in 2015.

The American last competed at the Hero World Challenge in December 2023, when he finished 18th in the 20-player field.

In the past few weeks, the former world No. 1 has also been seen practicing on the golf course, raising further questions about his possible return.

Woods recently participated in a golf clinic at Monterey Peninsula Country Club in California, where videos showed him hitting full shots. He also attended the TGR JR Invitational and spent time with young golfers.

Tiger Woods previously spoke about his possible return

In February, Woods admitted that he was still trying to return to professional golf, but his recovery from another back surgery had not been easy.

Speaking at the Genesis Invitational, which he also hosts, the American was asked whether he was planning to compete again.

«I’m trying, put it that way,» Woods said.

«The disc replacement has been one thing. It’s been a challenge to — I’ve had a fused back and now a disc replacement, so it’s challenging.»

The 82-time PGA Tour winner underwent surgery in October 2025 to replace a disc in his lower back. Earlier that year, he also suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon while training at home.

Woods was asked whether his Achilles was still causing problems and explained that his back was the bigger concern.

«The Achilles is not an issue. As far as the disc replacement, it’s just sore and it takes time,» the 50-year-old said.

He also explained that he was working on improving his physical condition and wanted to see whether his body could handle playing at the highest level again.

«It’s just one of those things where it’s each and every day, I keep trying. I keep progressing, I keep working on it, trying to get stronger, trying to get more endurance in this body and trying to get it at a level at which I can play at the highest level again,» Woods said.

At the same press conference, the American was asked whether he had ruled out competing at the 2026 Masters. His answer was a simple «No.»

However, the five-time Masters champion did not participate at Augusta National in April.

The experienced golfer previously played five official tournaments in 2024, including all four Grand Slam-equivalent events in golf. His last appearance was at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut at the Open Championship.

Woods has also been involved in TGL, the indoor golf competition he founded with Rory McIlroy. He returned to play for Jupiter Links Golf Club during the league’s finals earlier this year.

Woods could have other opportunities in 2027

Even if the American does not compete at the Hero World Challenge in December, he has several possible tournaments available in 2027.

One of them is the Genesis Invitational in February, an event closely connected to Woods and his foundation.

Another possibility is the Masters in April. The former world No. 1 has a lifetime exemption at Augusta National because of his five victories, with the most recent title arriving in 2019.

Woods could also consider the US Open at Pebble Beach in June. He won the tournament there in 2000, finishing 15 strokes ahead of the rest of the field.

The Open Championship will take place at St Andrews in July 2027, another golf course where the American has enjoyed success. He won the Claret Jug there in 2000 and 2005.

The 50-year-old is also eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, although he has not announced any plans to join the senior circuit.

Woods has previously spoken about the possibility of using a golf cart in senior competitions because walking an entire course remains difficult after his injuries.

The former world No. 1 has not yet announced his next tournament. The final three Hero World Challenge invitations remain unconfirmed, with the competition scheduled to begin in the Bahamas on December 3.