The Hero World Challenge is a unique, invitation-only golf tournament hosted by Tiger Woods each December, currently held at Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas.
Founded in 2000, the tournament began as a high-end invitational event at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona–a showcase of top talent that blends elite golf with luxury resort ambiance. From 2001-2013, the tournament was hosted at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California.
In 2015, the event moved to Albany, New Providence Island in The Bahamas, where it has remained ever since.
Though part of the broader PGA Tour schedule, the Hero World Challenge is technically unofficial: it does not award FedEx Cup points or count toward official money standings. Nevertheless, since 2009, the event has awarded Official World Golf Ranking points, giving the tournament meaningful competitive significance.
What Makes It Special
Typically limited to 20 top-ranked players, the tournament brings together a concentrated cast of golf’s best–past major winners, top-ranked pros, and other standout competitors–making it one of the most star-studded, high-stakes invitationals each year.
The format is straightforward: 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds (Thursday-Sunday) with no cut. Every player completes the full tournament, regardless of score.
Despite the limited field, the stakes are substantial. The 2025 edition carries a total purse of $5 million, with $1 million awarded to the champion.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament is also a charitable event–proceeds benefit the TGR Foundation (founded by Woods), which supports education and other philanthropic efforts.
Woods, himself, has won the tournament five times (2001, ’04, ’06, ’07, ’11). Unfortunately, he will not be participating in this year’s event due to a recent back injury.
“Not able to do much on a disk replacement to let it set; can’t really do much,” Woods said. “Now, we got the OK to start cranking up a little bit in the gym, started strengthening and started doing a little bit more of the rotational component that I haven’t been able to do, just letting the disk kind of set. …
“Unfortunately, I’ve been through this rehab process before. It’s just step by step. Once I get a feel for practicing, exploding, playing, the recovery process, then I can assess where I’m going to play and how much I’ll play [next year].”
Storylines, Field and What to Watch
The 2025 Hero World Challenge tees off December 4-7. This year’s edition is drawing plenty of attention thanks to a stacked lineup and high expectations.
The biggest headline: Two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler is back, and he’s looking to claim an unprecedented third straight win at this event. Alongside him are past winners such as Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth, adding experience and star power.
The full 20-man field this year includes global talent from multiple countries, representing seven nations. Notably, 2025 U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun, Scottish Open champion Chris Gotterup, and rising pro Andrew Novak are making their Hero World Challenge debuts.
As is tradition, the tournament also features a pro-am component before the official rounds begin–a hallmark of its blend of competition, prestige, and exclusivity.
For fans, another draw is the resort-like setting. Albany offers a lush, tropical backdrop that contrasts sharply with much of the traditional winter golf circuit.
Why the Hero World Challenge Matters
Often described as one of golf’s most compelling “off-season” events, the Hero World Challenge serves several important roles:
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It’s a gathering of elite talent, requiring no cut means top players stay until the end, which typically results in strong fields and high-quality golf.
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It offers a chance for exceptional exposure–with OWGR points, a large purse, and global broadcast coverage (via networks like Golf Channel and NBC Sports).
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It doubles as a philanthropic platform, helping raise money for the TGR Foundation and bringing attention to broader causes tied to the sport.
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For players emerging or trying to build momentum, it’s a chance to headline a high-profile event, compete under pressure, and possibly earn a big payday without the grind of the full PGA Tour season.
And for fans and media, it offers a year-end snapshot of the sport–who’s playing well, who’s rising, and who may carry momentum into the next season.
What to Expect
Given the field and format, 2025’s Hero World Challenge looks like it could be a spectacle. With Scheffler aiming for a three-peat, and a mix of seasoned winners and debutants teeing off at Albany, there’s plenty of intrigue.
Some storylines to keep an eye on:
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Can Scheffler close out the year with another title at Albany, and in doing so, build momentum heading into next season?
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Will any of the debutants or lesser-known players spring a surprise? In a small-field, no-cut event, volatility can favor risk-takers.
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How will the resort setting at Albany, with its tropical weather, coastal conditions, and challenge of an Ernie Els-designed course, impact play compared to traditional tour stops?
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And how will the media and fans react to another high-profile event late in the calendar, as golf points toward 2026?
How to Watch
If you don’t have a ticket to the Bahamas, no problem. The 2025 Hero World Challenge will be widely available for fans to follow live on TV and streaming, thanks to coverage by Golf Channel and NBC (plus digital platforms).
TV & Streaming Schedule (All times Eastern)
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Thursday (Round 1) – Golf Channel: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
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Friday (Round 2) – Golf Channel: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
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Saturday (Round 3) – Golf Channel: Noon-2:30 p.m.; NBC: 2:30-5:00 p.m.
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Sunday (Final Round) – Golf Channel: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; NBC: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Streaming is also available via the NBC Sports App, NBCSports.com, and Peacock–with simulcasts of both Golf Channel and NBC’s broadcasts throughout the week.
The first group tees off at 10:46 a.m., with the final group–headlined by Scheffler and Spieth–starting at 12:25 p.m.
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