Hero World Challenge to Bring Increased Attention on Destination

Tiger Woods to make a comeback after 16-month hiatus

The Bahamas will receive major publicity when golf great Tiger Woods makes his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge next month.

The tournament is a challenge event in the PGA Tour, and will be broadcast to more than one billion households in 227 countries and territories. The high profile tournament will attract a number of international media and will receive live television coverage on the Golf Channel and NBC.

Aside from Woods, this year’s field will also feature defending champion Bubba Watson and a field of 16 PGA TOUR players.

Woods, who has taken a 16-month break from the sport, commented on his return.

““I am excited to make my return at the Hero World Challenge at Albany and play in this terrific tournament,” Woods said. “This is our 18th year, and every year we put together a top field that showcases the best golfers from the previous season. Albany is an outstanding setting, and I can’t thank Hero MotoCorp enough for their support of the tournament and my foundation.”

The World Hero Challenge is one of several major golf classics that The Bahamas plays host to. Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the Bahamas is on its way to establishing itself as the golf capital of the region.

“We have a number of breathtaking golf courses that bode well for not only rounds and rounds of competitive golf but they also give you dazzling views of the coastline,” Wilchcombe said. “Albany’s isn’t on the coastline but that doesn’t detract from its appeal. Albany has a championship course.

“We are so pleased that Tiger Woods, who is one of the best golf players of all times, has decided to make his comeback in The Bahamas. His presence will undoubtedly draw golf fans from across the world to our shores.”

The Hero World Challenge is a four-round, 72-hole stroke play event with a $3.5 million purse, a $1 million winner's prize and Official World Golf Ranking points awarded. It will be held at the challenging par-72, 7,302-yard Albany for the second consecutive year.

The Bahamas will host the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic and the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic in January. All of those are a part of the PGA tour.