Following nine months away from competitive golf, Tiger Woods is set to make his return at the 2017 Hero World Challenge on 30 November.
The 14-time Major champion underwent back fusion surgery – his fourth back operation in three years – in April and last played at the Dubai Desert Classic in February.
For months, Woods has kept the world in touch with his progress as he advanced from putting competitions to wedge shots before moving to his driver and his latest ‘stinger’ video.
‘I am excited to return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge,’ said Woods, who last won a Major in 2008.
He now returns to the same event where he made his last comeback this time last year. He ended 16 months on the sidelines when he finished 15th out of 17 as he showed some signs of his old self with plenty of mistakes thrown into the mix.
‘Albany is the perfect setting and it will be great to join this outstanding field. I want to thank Pawan Munjal and Hero MotoCorp for their continued support of this tournament and my foundation. I would also like to thank the fans for their unwavering support during my injury.’
Woods, whose TGR Live organization manages the Hero World Challenge, is a five-time winner of the event.
The announcement also proves his former swing instructor Hank Haney knows a little more than most.
‘They’re going to toy with everybody, because it’s just what they do. But (Tiger’s) playing at the Hero World Challenge,’ Haney said on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio just a few days ago. ‘He’s not going to wait ’til February to play again.
‘I think you’re going to see him. Well I don’t think you’re going to see him, I know you’re going to see him. You’re going to see him at the Hero.’
Joining Woods in completing the 2017 Hero World Challenge field is Presidents Cup star Daniel Berger. Berger is coming off one of his best years as a professional, earning his second career PGA TOUR win and representing the United States in the Presidents Cup.
The Hero World Challenge features some of the world’s best players including Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Thomas and England’s Justin Rose.
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
