Hero World Challenge: Field, tee times, and groups for the Tiger Woods hosted event

Tiger set for hero’s welcome as the GOAT returns to action to host world’s elite in the Bahamas.

No one is bigger than golf itself, but the frenzy surrounding the latest re-incarnation of golf’s most influential person will certainly make you question what the sport would be today without the 15-time Major winner.

Tiger’s return to competitive action following ankle surgery is inevitably the standout talking point ahead of the Hero World Challenge where he will compete against the odds for a sixth title.

His 50/1 pre-tournament price suggests the host might struggle, despite history reminding us of Woods’ Lazereth-esque qualities, winning the 2008 US Open on one leg and rising again to claim the 2019 Masters after multiple back surgeries.

Even the trophy makes it blindingly clear to the field that no matter how well you’re playing, this is Tiger’s world, and you’re just living in it!

Following the conclusion of the FedExCup Playoffs and DP World Tour Championship, golf’s commercial coggs are grinding at a more leisurely pace, and there are few places better suited than The Bahamas to match the rhythm of golf’s ‘silly season’.

The relaxed vibes, limited player field, 27 degrees, and easy breeze all combine to create a relaxed atmosphere that the world’s best still jump at the chance to play after 11 arduous months on Tour.

Only Viktor Hovland (2021, 2022) and Woods himself (2006, 2007) have claimed back-to-back Hero wins, with the Norwegian aiming to be the first player to win three consecutive titles.

As you’d expect from a limited elite playing field, the Hero’s ‘Roll of Honor’ reads like a ‘who’s who of golf’ over the last 20 years. Padraig Harrington, Davis Love III, Luke Donald, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, Henrik Stenson, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, and Jon Rahm have all triumphed at this unique event.

Where is the Hero World Challenge being played?

Since 2015 the Hero World Challenge has been hosted at Albany, a luxury resort community on the island of New Providence in The Bahamas.

Its par 72, 7,414-yard Ernie Els-designed championship golf course combines the best of links and desert features with windswept dunes and challenging water features.

Rickie Fowler holds the tournament record at Albany, shooting a final round 61 en route to his victory in 2017. Ten shots is the largest margin of victory at the event, recorded when Jordan Spieth stormed to the title in 2014.

Who is playing in the Hero World Challenge?

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele pulled out from the tournament which is made up of the best available players from the Official Golf World Rankings, the defending champion, and special tournament *exemptions.

Of the 20-strong field, 13 players were members of the 2023 Ryder Cup teams. The four victorious Team Europe members of Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, *Justin Rose, and Sepp Straka will tee it up again with Team US rivals Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Sam Burns, Wyndham Clark, and Brian Harman.

Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, Jason Day, *Lucas Glover, and host Tiger Woods are the remaining non-Ryder Cup representatives, alongside Will Zalatoris who also makes his return to competitive action after seven months out.

How much prize money is on offer at the Hero World Challenge?

The 2023 champion will take home $1 million, with second and third place receiving $370,000 and $225,000 respectively. With no cut at the event, all 20 players are guaranteed a share of the $3.5 million purse with $100,000 awarded to the player finishing 20th.

Players will still earn World Rankings Points, however with the Hero World Challenge being an unofficial PGA Tour event, no FedExCup points are available, and prize money will not be included on the money list.

While the purse is somewhat smaller than the eye-watering amounts competed for at the business end of the PGA and DP World Tour seasons, it remains significantly higher than that on offer at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open and Investec South African Open Championship running concurrently this week.

The tournament is a benefit for Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation.

How can I watch the Hero World Challenge?

UK viewers can catch all the action on Sky Sports Golf

All times GMT

Saturday, December 2: Sky Sports Golf, 17.00

Sunday, December 3: Sky Sports Golf, 16.30

US viewers can catch all the action on Golf Channel

All times EST

Saturday, December 2: Golf Channel, 11.00

Sunday, December 3: Golf Channel, 11.30

Hero World Challenge 2023: Tee times and groups

For 3rd and 4th round tee times, please visit the PGA Tour website.

Want to get the most from Today’s Golfer? Sign up for TG Membership!

About the author

Ross Tugwood
Golf Equipment Writer

Ross Tugwood is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation. He’s also an expert in golf apparel and has a keen interest in sustainability.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

Ross uses a Cobra King SZ Speedzone driver, Titleist TSi2 3-Wood, TaylorMade Sim2 Rescue, Callaway Apex Pro irons (4-PW), Cleveland 588 RTX wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade Spider Ex putter, and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.