The Hero World Challenge just received a major boost. When it kicks off on November 30, the most famous golf player in the world will be on the course. Tiger Woods has announced that he will make his return to professional golf at the tournament. As long as he's healthy enough to compete, there was no other choice for Woods on where to start his comeback. After all, his organization sponsors the Hero World Challenge and his foundation directly benefits from the tournament. Besides, he's been down this specific road before.
Woods announces his return
Woods shared the news in a statement, where he mentioned how excited he was to return to professional golf for the first time in a long time. The Hero World Challenge is a small event, so there will be some scrutiny on him, with only 17 other golfers. It doesn't count as an official money event on the PGA Tour, however, so the pressure is relieved. Additionally, it takes place in the Bahamas - what's more relaxing than that?
The event will be contested at the Albany Golf Club from November 30 to December 3. The field is largely known ahead of time, based on rankings and commitments. Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth will be there. Jason Day and Rickie Fowler will be there as well.
Some other competitors include Justin Thomas, Matt Kuchar, Brooks Koepka, and Hideki Matsuyama. Matsuyama is actually the reigning champion of the tournament, which Woods has won five times.
Journey to the Hero World Challenge
When Woods was recovering from another injury last year, he returned to play in the Hero World Challenge, finishing 15th in a field of 17 golfers.
That was both the beginning and end for his comeback, though, as he was forced to pull out of the February Dubai Desert Classic with a back injury - he hasn't played a competitive round since.
Insult was added to injury over the summer when Woods was arrested for DWI. The arrest was extremely embarrassing and somewhat reminiscent of the famous Thanksgiving collapse of his marriage.
He wound up going to rehab for a while and received his sentence in the case just last week.
The November tournament gives Woods an opportunity to seize the narrative again, perhaps for the last time in his playing career. He doesn't need to win the tournament, or even be competitive. He just has to show that he can overcome his back problems and his personal problems and play golf again, like he once did at such a high level.
