Tiger Woods, who has battled injuries since he was fortunate to survive a rollover SUV accident nearly two years ago in Southern California, announced that he has withdrawn from the 23rd Hero World Challenge this week because of a foot injury.
Woods will still be on hand because he is tournament host for the 72-hole event, which begins on Thursday at Albany Golf Course in New Providence, The Bahamas.
“In my preparation and practice for this week’s Hero World Challenge, I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot, which is making it difficult to walk,” Woods, who has won the tournament a record five times, said in a statement. “After consulting with my doctors and trainers, I have decided to withdraw this week and focus on my hosting duties. My plan is still to compete in The Match and PNC Championship.”
Woods, who nearly lost his right leg because of the auto accident, played only three times on the PGA Tour last season, finishing 48th in the Masters in April, withdrawing after three rounds of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., in May without an explanation when he was tied for last place following a 79 in the three round, and missing the cut in the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews in July.
Late last week, Woods announced that he will play again with his 13-year-old son, Charlie, in the PNC Challenge, formerly known as the Father-Son Challenge, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., from Dec. 15-18.
Tiger and Charlie finished second in the tournament behind John Daly and his son, John II, last year.
In addition, Woods is scheduled to play in the seventh edition of The Match on Dec. 10 at Pelican Golf Cub in Belleair, Fla.
Tiger will be paired in The Match with Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, the top-ranked player in the world, and they will compete against No. 8 Justin Thomas and No. 13 Jordan Spieth in a 12-hole match that will start at 6 p.m. and be played under the lights.
The Match will benefit Hurricane Ian relief efforts. The first six installments of The Match raised nearly $33 million for charitable organizations and donated about 27 million meals through Feeding America, according to Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.
