Hero World Challenge | Two-time defending champion Hovland starts favourite; chance for Tiger Woods to test his fitness

Tiger Woods returns to the Hero World Challenge, a tournament benefitting his foundation. Viktor Hovland is the two-time defending champion, while Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, and Brian Harman are among the contenders. Will Zalatoris makes his first start after back surgery. The tournament carries a $4.5 million purse, with $1 million for the winner.

Tiger Woods may not find favour with the bookmakers, but as always, his mere presence is enough to generate buzz. The Hero World Challenge, which commences here on Thursday, marks Woods’ comeback after yet another injury lay-off.

The tournament will provide a measure of where Woods stands, both in terms of fitness and form. Woods’ troublesome ankle, which flared up during the third round of the Masters in April, will be put to the test over 90 holes (including the Pro-Am).

Woods, 47, will also play with son Charlie in the 2023 PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando in a couple of weeks.

On electing to return to his home tournament, Woods said, “the smaller field size, and the fact that it’s at the end of the year — which sets me up for expectations going into the following year — is a nice landing spot. This is a good springboard into the following year, and my foundation benefits from it. So there’s so many positives that come from playing in this event,” Woods said.

The tournament is a benefit for the Tiger Woods Foundation, and players will receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

The Albany course, designed by Ernie Els, favours long drives and low scores. This suits Viktor Hovland just fine, as the Norwegian enters the tournament as the two-time defending champion.

Having won the recent BMW Championship and the Tour Championship, Hovland will once again wear the tag of favourite in this 20-man field.