Tiger Woods Withdraws from Hero World Challenge Following September Back Surgery
Tiger Woods withdrew from the Hero World Challenge following his recent back surgery. The 15-time major champion announced his withdrawal on Monday evening as he continues recovery from a September 13 microdiscectomy procedure.
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The surgery, his sixth spinal procedure, aimed to remove a herniated disc and alleviate back spasms and pain that affected his 2024 season. Woods is currently 10 weeks into recovery, with the golf swing's spinal torque requiring careful rehabilitation.
While he won't compete, Woods will attend the tournament as host and conduct his annual press conference. The Hero World Challenge, scheduled for early December in the Bahamas, traditionally features an elite field and has served as Woods' comeback platform in previous years.
The field will include special exemptions for Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap. Woods' participation in December's PNC Championship, where he typically plays with his son Charlie and can use a cart, remains unannounced.
"I look forward to tackling the rehab and preparing myself to return to normal life activities, including golf," Woods stated following his September surgery.
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