Tiger's Hero World Challenge returns with 15 of world's top 20

After last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge is returning to Albany Resort in the Bahamas this December. And it will return with a stout field.

On Monday tournament organizers announced 15 of the world’s top 20 players will attend the exhibition in the Bahamas. Collin Morikawa (No. 3) is the highest ranked player in the field, followed by FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. Other notables include Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth.

However, the top two players in the world—Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson—are not listed as competitors.

Henrik Stenson, who won the last Hero in 2019, will also play through an exemption. Rounding out the field are Tony Finau, Harris English, Abraham Ancer, Viktor Hovland, Daniel Berger, Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Rose.

"So excited to welcome these incredible players to the Hero World Challenge," Woods posted on social media. "With 15 of the top 20 in the field, I know it’s going to be a great week."

The Hero is part of the PGA Tour schedule, but does not offer FedEx Cup points or official money as it is an unofficial event. Conversely, it does award world ranking points. The event traces its roots back to 2000.

It is not yet known if Woods will attend, as he continues to rehab from an accident earlier this year.