2026 Hero World Challenge Field: 17 Confirmed, Woods Still Undecided

The 2026 Hero World Challenge has announced 17 players for its planned 20-man field, with defending champion Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler returning to Albany in the Bahamas. The tournament rounds run December 3–6. Tiger Woods is the host, but his name was absent from the initial list released on October 19.

Three tournament-exemption places remain unfilled. That leaves room for further invitations, without establishing who will receive them. As of October 21, Woods has not confirmed that he will compete. The distinction matters for anyone planning to watch: hosting the tournament and entering its playing field are separate commitments.

Who Is in the Initial Field?

The organizer lists the following players. The rankings accompanying its announcement refer to the August 31 eligibility date, rather than a new October world-ranking snapshot.

Golf Channel identifies Si Woo Kim, Gerard and Bridgeman as tournament debutants. Their inclusion gives the event a different shape from a simple reunion of previous Albany champions: newcomers will have the same four rounds in which to challenge players already familiar with the course.

Matsuyama and Scheffler Pursue a Third Albany Title

Matsuyama won at Albany in 2016 and again in 2025. Scheffler won the 2023 and 2024 editions. Both therefore arrive with a chance to become the first player to win three times at this venue; that is an Albany-specific distinction, rather than a claim about the entire history of the event.

In the 2025 tournament, Matsuyama and Alex Noren finished at 22 under before Matsuyama won the first playoff hole. This December brings a new field and a fresh defense of that title. Previous results explain the interest in his return, while the competition itself will determine whether that familiarity produces another win.

Will Tiger Woods Play?

Woods is not among the 17 confirmed entrants. Reuters and Golf Channel both reported the open places after the initial announcement, but neither established a playing commitment from the host. Recent practice footage also does not provide a tournament entry or a starting date for a competitive return.

Fans can follow the official field page for the remaining names. Until those invitations are announced, Woods' participation remains an open question. The same applies to any other player absent from the initial list: an unused place is an opportunity for an invitation, rather than proof that a particular golfer is coming.

Why Presidents Cup Followers Will Recognize the Field

The organizer counts 11 participants from the completed 2026 Presidents Cup, including eight from the winning American team. Bridgeman's arrival is particularly relevant after his clinching singles point at Medinah; Matsuyama, Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim provide familiar International Team names.

Albany will offer another chance to follow those players after the 2026 team competition. Its individual leaderboard will answer a different question from a Presidents Cup match: who produces the best total across four rounds against this particular field. Neither an invitation nor an Albany result announces a place on a future national team.

Dates, Coverage and the Remaining Announcements

The four tournament days are Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6. The organizer lists Golf Channel coverage on all four days and NBC coverage during the weekend. Viewers should use the broadcasters' listings for local start times.

The next useful announcement is the completion of the field. That will settle the three open invitations and allow fans to distinguish the full playing roster from the initial 17 names. For now, the central sporting attraction is already clear: two recent Albany champions return, alongside established team-golf players and three first-time entrants.