Tiger Woods was not included in the initial list of players announced for the Hero World Challenge, scheduled to take place from December 3 to 6 in Albany, Bahamas. However, tournament organizers indicated that the 15-time major champion remains eligible for one of the event’s three exempt spots and could still be added to the field.

Woods has not participated in an official golf tournament since the 2024 British Open. His absence from competition has been attributed to a combination of physical injuries, multiple surgeries, and ongoing legal issues. Last month, Woods accepted a five-year suspension of his driver’s license following a plea agreement with prosecutors related to an impaired-driving case.

The Hero World Challenge, an invitational tournament often featuring top-ranking players and hosted by Woods himself, traditionally provides a platform for star athletes. While Woods’ status for the event remains uncertain, his potential participation would mark a return to competitive golf after a prolonged hiatus.