16 October 2023 , 19:22
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The PGA Tour have dropped a hint that Tiger Woods could be set to make his return to competition after the Hero World Challenge field was released on Monday.
Woods is the annual host of the event based in the Bahamas, and is often part of the 20-man field. Ahead of the 2023 event this December, the PGA Tour announced the field for the event, and whilst Woods' name was not included, his absence has only drove suspicion that he could well be set for a comeback
The released list confirms 29 players have entered the tournament including the likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler as well as two-time defending champion Viktor Hovland.
Amid the star-studded list one spot remains open, which is marked as 'TBA tournament exemption' and, with Woods set to be on the property due to his hosting duties, that place could well be taken by him as he continues his recovery. The 15-time major champion has not featured competitively since being forced to withdraw from this year's Masters in April.
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In testing conditions a struggling Woods managed to make the cut, before being forced to pull out part-way through a rain-delayed third round. It was later confirmed that the American was battling a foot injury, and had undergone surgery for the problem days after his Augusta withdrawal.
The past two years have proved a testing time for Woods, who was forced to take on a part-time career on the PGA Tour having suffered severe injuries in a car accident in February 2021. On the back of the crash it was feared the 47-year-old would never complete again, but completed a remarkable recovery at the 2022 Masters.
Tiger Woods withdrew from this year's Masters (Getty Images)Since then, though his performances have been few and far between, he has competed in just five events since making his return, which included two withdrawals. Golf fans have given new hope of an imminent Woods return over the past month, after the former world No. 1 has been spotted making his return to the course.
Most recently, Woods was seen out on The Hay at Pebble Beach, where he took to the Short Course alongside son Charlie. The latest update was arguably the most promising yet, after the 82-time Tour winner was seen hitting full shots, as opposed to previously restricting himself to chipping on the range at Liberty National in September.