Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: November 30, 2023, 09:23 IST
Golf legend Tiger Woods (AP)
Tiger Woods will likely be teeing off for the primary time since present process a surgical procedure on his proper ankle.
In the relaxed setting of Bahamas, the highest golfers of the world will imply enterprise when the Hero World Challenge (HWC) begins right here on Thursday.
All eyes will likely be on sporting royalty Tiger Woods, who will likely be teeing off for the primary time since present process a surgical procedure on his proper ankle following his withdrawal from the Masters in April.
The 15-time main winner, who’s the event host of the unofficial PGA Tour occasion, nonetheless likes to compete and is “curious” to see how he fares towards the very best within the enterprise.
Over the years, the HWC has attracted the cream of world golf and this 12 months isn’t any totally different.
World no 1 Scottie Scheffeler, two-time defending champion Viktor Hovland, 2014 winner Jordan Spieth, Colin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele are among the many 20 golfers competing within the occasion.
The three event exemptions embrace Woods, Justin Thomas and 2017 champion Rickie Fowler. The choose subject means it’s a no reduce occasion.
While the gamers use this event as a springboard to the next season, the stakes are excessive.
They will likely be even increased this 12 months with Hero MotoCorp chairman Pawan Munjal asserting a rise within the prize purse by USD a million, taking it to USD 4.5 million. It will likely be enhanced to USD 5 million in 2024. The OWGR (world rating) factors can even be awarded.
Woods, who was sitting alongside Munjal at the pre-event convention, stated the rise within the prize cash will increase the profile of the occasion even additional. The event additionally advantages the Tiger Woods Foundation.
“The increase in prize purse just elevates this event, attracts the top players in the world with the event here at Albany and what we’ve done here throughout the years. And the feedback we’ve gotten, we’ve tried to make this event special.
“At the end of the year these guys have been playing a lot and we want to make this the most enjoyable week and get them down here and have a great time.
“I think with Hero’s involvement in this event it has elevated the event. We’re excited to continue that relationship through 2025,” stated the 47-12 months-outdated.
Talking about his comeback, Woods stated his ageing physique is feeling good and he’s wanting ahead to testing himself over the course of 4 days.
“My game feels rusty, I haven’t played in a while. I had my subtalar fused. I’m excited to compete and play and I’m just as curious as all of you are to see what happens because I haven’t done it in a while.
“I can tell you this, I don’t have any of the pain that I had at Augusta or pre that in my ankle. Well, other parts are taking the brunt of the load so I’m a little more sore in other areas, but the ankle’s good. So that surgery was a success,” stated Woods.
Like Woods, Will Zalatoris will likely be making a comeback from damage. The 27-12 months-outdated needed to withdraw from the Masters on account of a again damage and the HWC will likely be his first occasion since March.
“It’s been an interesting seven months. You know, kind of a golfer’s worse nightmare is feeling your back giving out on the driving range at Augusta 30 minutes before your tee time.
“But no, it’s been a patience game. It’s been a grind, I had a lot of really good advice from guys that have had to go through the same thing and all of them said take your time, no one’s ever come back from an injury taking too long,” stated Zalatoris.
If the climate stays clear, count on excessive scores at the Albany Golf Course.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – PTI)
