Oct 19 - Tournament host Tiger Woods was not listed in the initial player field released on Monday for the December 3 to 6 Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas, but could still be added as one of the three exemption spots.

The 15-times major champion has not competed in an official event since the 2024 British Open due to a combination of injuries, surgeries and legal complications. Woods accepted a five-year suspension of his driver's license last month after reaching a deal with prosecutors in his impaired-driving case.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Hideki Matsuyama are among the 17 players who have officially committed to the Hero World Challenge's 20-man field. Scheffler, who won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and Matsuyama are both looking to become the first three-time winner at Albany.

In total, seven of the top 10 players in the world are among those in the field, a group that in addition to Scheffler includes Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick, Russell Henley, Chris Gotterup, Sam Burns and Xander Schauffele.

The rest of the field will be announced at a later date. REUTERS