While Tiger Woods’ Extended Silence Intensifies, Who Will Take the Ultimate Spot In 2023 Hero World Challenge?
Tiger Woods announced the field for the upcoming Hero World Challenge keeping his name out of the list. While announcing the 20-man lineup, the veteran golfer left the last spot open to speculation. The final spot will be a sponsor exemption.
Incidentally, there are three sponsor exemptions. With Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas taking up the two, only one spot remains to be filled. As per the rules, the exemption can be given to only the top 50 players in OWGR rankings. Let’s explore which eligible players are most likely to get the exemption.
Brooks Koepka
Yes, the Hero World Challenge is a PGA-sanctioned event. But, it’s not an official PGA Tour event. If that doesn’t open the door for the LIV Jeddah champion, it certainly keeps it slightly ajar. A sponsor exemption will allow the 33-year-old golfer to tee it up against his former peers and rivals.
Rory McIlroy
Arguably the biggest name that was missing from the lineup was Rory McIlroy. More so, because the current world no. 2 is known to be among the small circle of close friends Tiger Woods has. However, McIlroy has played the event only once since the venue changed to the Bahamas nine years ago. The last time he played in Albany in 2021, he finished at the 18th position.
