Tiger Woods has been left out of the initial player field announced on Monday for the Hero World Challenge, scheduled to take place from December 3 to 6 in Albany, Bahamas. However, the tournament host could still feature in the event, with three exemption places yet to be filled.

The 15-time major champion has not participated in an official tournament since the 2024 British Open, having struggled with a series of injuries, surgeries and legal issues. Last month, Woods accepted a five-year suspension of his driver’s license after reaching an agreement with prosecutors in his impaired-driving case.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama are among the 17 players who have confirmed their participation in the 20-man field. Scheffler, who claimed back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and Matsuyama will both be aiming to become the first player to win the Hero World Challenge three times at Albany.

Seven of the world’s top 10 players are included in the initial lineup. Alongside Scheffler, the group features Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns and Xander Schauffele.

The remaining places in the tournament field will be announced at a later date, leaving the door open for Woods to make a potential appearance at the prestigious year-end event.