Golf legend Tiger Woods has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Hero World Challenge due to recent back surgery. The 48-year-old underwent the procedure in September and is still recovering. While he won't be competing, Woods confirmed he will still attend the tournament in the Bahamas, fulfilling his hosting responsibilities.
Woods' absence from the competition won't impact his official ranking, as the Hero World Challenge is an unofficial event without FedEx Cup points or prize money. However, this latest setback adds to a challenging year for the golfer. In 2024, Woods participated in five tournaments, including all four majors, but only made the cut in two. His performance suffered, finishing last among those completing the Masters and missing the cut at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship.
Since the 2022 Masters, Woods has played in a mere ten events, primarily focusing on major championships and the Genesis Invitational, which he hosts. He withdrew from the Genesis Invitational earlier this year. This limited participation reflects the ongoing physical challenges he faces.
Woods' recent major championship record has also been disappointing. He hasn't achieved a top-20 finish in 14 majors since his 2019 Masters victory, marking his longest such streak since his early career. Over his last 36 major appearances, he has missed 13 cuts, secured only six top-10 finishes, and finished outside the top 20 in 13 others, along with two withdrawals.
Despite these challenges, Woods remains tied with Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins (82), and his 15 major titles are second only to Jack Nicklaus's 18. As he approaches his 49th birthday, the golf world continues to watch his journey with a mix of hope and concern.
