Hero World Challenge Participants Plan to Enjoy The Bahamas

It’s not all business for Dustin Johnson or Jordan Spieth, who are both in New Providence to participate in the Hero World Challenge.

The pair -- both of whom are among the top five golfers in the world -- said when they’re not teeing off on the greens, they plan to have a little fun in the sun.

Both golfers will begin competition on Thursday at the Albany golf course.  But they said golf is not the only form of play they intend to engage in.

“It’s definitely not [all business],” 5th ranked golfer Spieth told Tourism Today on Wednesday. “You can’t come to The Bahamas for all business. When you say you’re coming to The Bahamas, the look on everyone’s face, when you tell them, they’re always so jealous. So I’m happy to be here.”

Spieth has participated in the Hero World Challenge several times. He won the tournament in 2014.

“I absolutely love coming here,” he continued. “It’s just so beautiful. I love the clear water, the turquoise water. I love going on swims and snorkeling. We’re going to try and do that here this afternoon.”

Johnson, who is ranked third in the world, said he’s already enjoyed some down time.

  “This place is fantastic,” he said. “Yesterday we went out and got in the water for a little bit.”

Johnson, a resident of Jupiter Florida, added that he is no stranger to The Bahamas.

 “I take my boat and go over to West End and through The Abacos,” he said. I spend a little bit of time here.”

 Both golfers also spoke highly of the facilities at Albany.

 “This one here is fantastic,” Jordan said referring to the golf course. “The golf course is great. The facilities are fantastic. This place is really nice. I’ve only played here and at Bakers Bay. That place is spectacular too.”

 Spieth and Jordan will face 16 other golfers including Tiger Woods, who will play in his first tournament since August 2015. Woods, the tournament host, took a break to recover to multiple back surgeries.

 The Hero World Challenge 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.