RG's "Wednesday Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights. In this installment, Tiger's Hero World Challenge in Bahamas.
The Hero World Challenge, a staple in the golf calendar, is an exclusive invite-only event hosted by Tiger Woods. Taking place annually at Albany in the Bahamas, this event invites a select number of top-ranked professional golfers. The Hero is not your typical tournament—this exhibition brings together a select group of the world's top-ranked professionals for a unique competition that emphasizes fun and camaraderie over standard tournament stakes. But make no mistake, the prize money and bragging rights keep things interesting indeed for the 20-man field.
While this event may not contribute to the FedEx Cup points, it certainly carries weight among its star-studded lineup, with OWGR points up for grabs. The overarching theme of the week is giving back, and the Hero has a wonderful purpose behind it. Tiger has always been passionate about making a difference, and through his Hero World Challenge, he raises funds to support educational and youth-focused initiatives via his foundation.
Players to Watch
This year, the Hero World Challenge features a compelling mix of established stars and rising talents, which makes the event particularly intriguing. Among those to keep an eye on are:
Scottie Scheffler: As the top-ranked player in the world, coming off a ridiculous seven-win season, Scheffler is undoubtedly a favorite. But rust may play a role in his attempt at claiming the win. Scottie is why golf fans tune in, and with his dominance in 2024 contrasting with recent time off, how he performs this week will be worth watching.
Keegan Bradley: The newly named 2025 Ryder Cup captain, known for his intense competitive spirit, will be a player to watch this week. Bradley's 2024 season showed him regaining past form, carving out a victory at the BMW Championship and eight top-25 finishes.
Sahith Theegala: Theegala currently ranks 12th in the world and finished his 2024 campaign 3rd in the FedEx Cup rankings. With 12 top-25 finishes, including nine top-10s, two runner-ups, and a third at the TOUR Championship, Sahith will be excited about the opportunity this week as he makes his tournament debut in the Bahamas.
These players, alongside others, create a dynamic field of competition and camaraderie. It's certainly going to be a great week of golf.
About the Course
The Hero unfolds on the picturesque and challenging host course at Albany. Designed by Ernie Els, Albany's 18-hole championship golf course combines the best of links and desert golf. With the Bahamian coastal winds blowing and Els' strategic bunkering, the course demands players to be at their best to be competitive on the par 72, 7449-yard test.
Notes From Tiger Woods Press Conference
In Tiger Woods' pre-tournament press conference, the Hall of Famer and tournament host addressed several key topics.
Health and Comeback Strategy: After another recent back procedure, Woods was candid about his recovery, emphasizing his cautious approach to practice and competition. While he remains passionate about adding more tournaments to his schedule, he acknowledges the need to balance ambition with physical readiness.
"It was quite painful through the end of the year, and thus, I had another procedure done to it to alleviate the pain going down my leg. I'm trying to rehab it … to give myself the best chance I can going into next year."
Event Host Role: Woods expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event and the opportunity it presents to contribute to his foundation's charitable causes. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding youth opportunities through education and sports. It was also announced that Hero Motocorp would remain the title sponsor of this event through 2030, which Woods was thrilled about.
Future of Professional Golf: Woods offered insights on golf's future trajectory, especially how events like the Hero World Challenge create platforms for both competition and innovation. He hinted at the sport's evolving nature in welcoming broader audiences and fostering new talent. He also touched on the continuing PGA TOUR-PIF saga, noting that he was frustrated, like many, by how long the process has taken and hopes that something will be solidified soon.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
