Is There a Cut in the Hero World Challenge? Format Explained

The Hero World Challenge is unique in its own way. That Tiger Woods hosts this event adds to its specialty. This tournament is also a little different in terms of format vis-a-vis its more traditional counterparts.

Does the Hero World Challenge have a cut? The answer is, no. The tournament has four rounds with classic strokeplay over 72 holes. This is an annual event and this year’s edition will be played at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas from November 30 to December 3.

Different format

Why doesn’t the Hero World Challenge have a cut? The answer lies in its smaller player field. A cut is used to reduce the number of players in the final rounds.

For example, if a four-round, 72-hole tournament starts with 150 players, there’s a cut after two rounds to reduce the player field for the business end of the tournament. The Hero World Challenge has a player field of only 20 golfers.

It is basically a tournament of elite players, the Major winners and top-of-the-table stars in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). This year’s field is led by Scottie Scheffler, who is No.1 in the OWGR. Scheffler also won the 2022 Masters.

The tournament will also have defending champion Viktor Hovland and Major winners like Justin Rose, Brian Harman and Jordan Spieth. The latter recently became Woods’ colleague in the PGA Tour’s Policy Board, replacing Rory McIlroy as a player-director.

Read more: How Is the Hero World Challenge Field Determined?

The biggest attraction, of course, will be Tiger Woods, who is returning to competitive golf for the first time since the Masters. “He’s in. Tournament host Tiger Woods has committed to play in the 2023 Hero World Challenge,” tournament organizer TGR Live Events said in a statement a few days ago.

The legendary golfer with 15 Major victories under his belt has played very little over the last couple of years – just five PGA Tour events. His accident in 2021 was a serious deterrent, but recently Woods confirmed that he no longer has any issues with his ankle.

Tiger Woods towers over the rest

The 2023 Hero World Challenge reportedly has a total prize money of $3.5 million, with the winner getting $1 million. It is also a fund-raising event for Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation. The Hero World Challenge awards OWGR points, but it doesn’t award FedEx Cup points despite being part of the PGA Tour itinerary.

Woods remains the most successful golfer at this event with five titles, while Davis Love III, Graeme McDowell and Hovland have won two each.

Watch this story: 2023 Hero World Challenge: How to Watch, Tickets Info, TV Schedule, and More