The long-awaited field for the 2025 Hero World Challenge is finally complete. Earlier in October, organizers revealed an impressive lineup featuring top golfers like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, JJ Spaun, and Robert MacIntyre. However, three spots were deliberately left open, leaving fans wondering who would round out the group.
With Tiger Woods hosting the event, many expected the legendary golfer to compete again, as he did in 2023. But ongoing health issues made his participation uncertain — and those fears have now been confirmed.
TGR Live Events officially announced the final additions via Instagram: “The field is set 👏 Jordan Spieth, Billy Horschel, and Akshay Bhatia join the field for the 2025 Hero World Challenge, December 4–7 at Albany.” This means Spieth will make his long-awaited return to the course, but Woods will remain sidelined.
Spieth Returns After Months Away
Spieth hasn’t played competitively since the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he finished tied for 38th. His 2025 season had been disappointing, prompting the 13-time PGA Tour winner to take a step back and regroup. Now, he’s rejoining a star-studded field in the Bahamas with hopes of regaining his form and confidence.
Tiger Woods Confirms Another Surgery
When the initial lineup was released, Woods’ name was notably missing. He had been recovering from Achilles tendon surgery in March 2025 but showed signs of improvement, even taking practice swings at Liberty National Golf Club before hosting the Nexus Cup. Fans hoped this meant he might still compete in the Hero World Challenge.
However, those hopes were dashed when Woods revealed he had undergone a seventh back surgery, eliminating any chance of a return this year. Recovery from such a procedure could take several months, meaning he’s also unlikely to play at the upcoming PNC Championship with his son, Charlie — ending a cherished family tradition.
### Critics Question Spieth’s Approach
While Woods faces another extended recovery, Spieth’s comeback has sparked mixed reactions. Some golf analysts have criticized his absence during the fall stretch, claiming he’s relying too heavily on sponsor exemptions instead of earning FedEx Fall points.
Spieth has skipped every fall PGA Tour event this year, offering no official explanation. As a 2022 RBC Heritage champion, he sits comfortably within the top 50 and automatically qualifies for next season’s major events. Still, many believe his absence sends the wrong message about fairness, as sponsor exemptions often favor big names regardless of form.
### Fame vs. Fair Play Debate
In 2025 alone, Spieth reportedly received five sponsor exemptions — a policy that’s stirred debate among players and fans. Critics argue that it undermines the Tour’s merit-based structure, allowing famous golfers to bypass the competition that determines ranking and qualification.
A Tale of Two Stars
The finalized Hero World Challenge lineup has ignited both excitement and disappointment. Spieth’s return promises a thrilling showdown among golf’s elite, while Woods’ ongoing absence remains a sobering reminder of how injuries continue to shape his later career.
For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment — celebrating Spieth’s comeback but missing the presence of one of golf’s greatest legends.
