Star-studded field line-up for Tiger-hosted Hero World Challenge in Bahamas
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20 PGA Tour stars begin winding-up their year at the exclusive Hero World Challenge, hosted by the GOAT himself.
The 15-time major champion won’t be teeing it up, however, opting to take a back seat and focus on hosting duties. It’s no secret his body isn’t ready for four competitive rounds, having only completed a 72 hole week once all year at back in April at Augusta.
“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 and spending the week,” said Woods.
All proceeds from the Hero World Challenge support the TGR Foundation, Woods’ charity aimed at empowering students, which has raised $90m for youth and education programmes since its inception.
While the Hero World Challenge doesn’t offer FedEx Cup points, there are Official World Golf Ranking points at stake and this year, seven players will make their debuts, with seven different countries are represented – USA, South Korea, Japan, Scotland, England, France and Sweden.
Last year, Scottie Scheffler won the title for the first time, claiming the unique tiger-themed trophy with a three-shot victory over Austrian Sepp Straka. Will the American become just the third player after Woods and Victor Hovland to win in successive years? Or will someone else emerge victorious this week?
Where is the Hero World Challenge held?
Between 2000 and 2014, the event was held in the USA, with Idlewood, Sherwood and Grayhawk all playing host. The move to Albany in New Providence, Bahamas was announced for the 2015 edition and the tournament has been held at the Ernie Els design ever since.
The par-72, 7,400-yard course is a desert-links style championship course, which features five par 3s and five par 5s, offering a unique experience to the field.
Deep bunkers and difficult undulated greens present the biggest challenges to the field. Add in an unpredictable wind and the course becomes a demanding test which requires the players to be at their very best if they are to do well. Albany isn’t your typical PGA Tour course, with its natural landscape doing all the work. This in turn offers a beautiful setting in which to play golf.
Who is in the field for the Hero World Challenge?
World No.1 Scottie Sheffler headlines the star-studded field this year, with fellow American major winners Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman and Keegan Bradley also teeing it up.
European Ryder Cup stars Robert MacIntyre and Ludvig Aberg will make their debuts in the competition, as will Matthieu Pavon and Aaron Rai, who have both won on the PGA Tour in 2024.
Tony Finau is a late withdrawal, replaced in the field by Sepp Straka.
The full field for the Hero World Challenge can be found here.
What is the format of the Hero World Challenge?
The format of the Hero World Challenge is standard strokeplay over 72 holes (four rounds), although there is no cut after two rounds. The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.
Who will win the Hero World Challenge?
Selected pre-tournament odds:
Scottie Scheffler 9/4
Justin Thomas 10/1
Ludvig Aberg 10/1
Patrick Cantlay 11/1
Sungjae Im 14/1
Sahith Theegala 20/1
Jason Day 22/1
Wyndham Clark 18/1
Aaron Rai 25/1
Keegan Bradley 35/1
Nick Dunlap 45/1
How much will the winner of the Hero World Challenge receive?
The prize fund for the Hero World Challenge is $4.5m, which is the same amount that was on offer last year. The winner will walk away with a cheque worth $1m.
Who has won the Hero World Challenge?
| Year | Winner | Score to par | Winner’s share ($) |
| 2023 | Scottie Scheffler | -20 | 1,000,000 |
| 2022 | Victor Hovland | -16 | 1,000,000 |
| 2021 | Viktor Hovland | -18 | 1,000,000 |
| 2019 | Henrik Stenson | -18 | 1,000,000 |
| 2018 | Jon Rahm | -20 | 1,000,000 |
| 2017 | Rickie Fowler | -18 | 1,000,000 |
| 2016 | Hideki Matsuyama | -18 | 1,000,000 |
| 2015 | Bubba Watson | -25 | 1,000,000 |
| 2014 | Jordan Spieth | -26 | 1,000,000 |
| 2013 | Zach Johnson | -13 | 1,000,000 |
Where to watch the Hero World Challenge
Viewers in the UK can watch the tournament on Sky Sports Golf.
All times BST
Thursday, 5 December: Sky Sports Golf, 18.30
Friday, 6 December: Sky Sports Golf, 18.30
Saturday, 7 December: Sky Sports Golf, 17.00
Sunday, 8 December: Sky Sports Golf, 16.30
Viewers in the US can watch the event on the Golf Channel.
All times EDT
Thursday, 5 December: Golf Channel, 13.30
Friday, 6 December: Golf Channel, 13.30
Saturday, 7 December: Golf Channel, 12.00
Sunday, 8 December: Golf Channel, 11.30
Hero World Challenge: Tee times and groupings
Round 1:
| Time (EST) | Time (GMT) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| 10:46 | 15:46 | Aaron Rai | Matthieu Pavon |
| 10:57 | 15:57 | Brian Harman | Russell Henley |
| 11:08 | 16:08 | Cameron Young | Sepp Straka |
| 11:19 | 16:19 | Robert MacIntyre| Akshay Bhatia |
| 11:30 | 16:30 | Sungjae Im | Tom Kim |
| 11:41 | 16:41 | Nick Dunlap | Sam Burns |
| 11:52 | 16:52 | Ludvig Åberg | Jason Day |
| 12:03 | 17:03 | Wyndham Clark | Patrick Cantlay |
| 12:14 | 17:14 | Scottie Scheffler | Sahith Theegala |
| 12:25 | 17:25 | Justin Thomas | Keegan Bradley |
About the Author
Ross Kilvington – Contributing Golf News Writer
Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today’s Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA, and LPGA tours along with the LIV Golf Series.
Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of 6 means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little longer.
Despite first picking up a club aged 11, highlights are few and far between on the golf course.
An Eagle on the par-4 16th at Kinghorn is one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards).
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Tiger Woods is set to host 20 of the world's best for the Hero World Challenge.
