Welcome to CaddyBytes' coverage of the Hero World Challenge, Tiger Woods' premier invitational golf tournament that brings together an elite field of the world's top golfers each year. Established in 2000, this event has become a prestigious season-ending tournament that benefits the TGR Foundation, Tiger Woods' charitable organization dedicated to empowering students through education.

The Hero World Challenge features a limited field of just 20 players, primarily consisting of tournament winners from the past year, top-ranked players in the Official World Golf Ranking, and special exemptions. The tournament offers valuable World Ranking points and provides an exciting preview of golf's emerging storylines heading into the new season.

Since moving to Albany in the Bahamas in 2015, the tournament has gained a reputation for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful coastal setting, and competitive play. With a $3.5 million purse and a $1 million winner's share, the Hero World Challenge attracts golf's biggest names while raising significant funds for educational initiatives through the TGR Foundation.

Hero World Challenge History (2000 - Present)

2025 Hero World Challenge
Upcoming Event

Albany, Bahamas

Upcoming Dec 4-7, 2025

Field of 20 elite players by invitation

$3.5 million purse

World Ranking points awarded

2024 Hero World Challenge
Viktor Hovland Victory

Albany, Bahamas

Winner: Viktor Hovland -18 Score

Hovland's third consecutive victory

Finished two strokes ahead of Scottie Scheffler

Earned $1 million winner's share

2020s Hero World Challenge
Viktor Hovland Dominance

Albany, Bahamas

Modern Era Hovland's Three-Peat

Viktor Hovland won 2021, 2022, 2024

Tournament canceled in 2020 due to pandemic

Henrik Stenson won 2023 edition

2010s Hero World Challenge
Move to Albany

Albany, Bahamas

2015-Present Tiger's Comebacks

Tournament moved to Albany in 2015

Bubba Watson won inaugural Albany event

Notable winners: Rickie Fowler (2017), Jon Rahm (2018)

2000s Hero World Challenge
Inaugural Years

Various Locations

Foundational Era Multiple Venues

Tournament founded in 2000

Originally held in California

Davis Love III won inaugural event

Tournament Format
Elite Invitational

20 Players Compete

Structure No Cut

72-hole stroke play format

Field determined by invitation

World Ranking points awarded

Championship Venue
Albany, Bahamas

Ernie Els Design

Since 2015 Luxury Resort

Host venue since 2015

Course Details:

Par 72, 7,400 yards

Charitable Impact
TGR Foundation

Educational Initiatives

Philanthropy Student Success

Benefits TGR Foundation

Supports educational programs

Empowers underserved youth

Tiger's Tournament
Host & Five-Time Winner

Tiger Woods Foundation

Tournament Host Record 5 Wins

Tiger has won his event 5 times

Most victories in tournament history

Last win came in 2011

The Hero World Challenge Legacy

The Hero World Challenge has established an impressive legacy as one of golf's most prestigious invitational events since its inception in 2000. Founded by Tiger Woods and originally known as the Williams World Challenge, the tournament has evolved into a key season-ending event that brings together an elite field while raising significant funds for educational charities.

The tournament's unique format—featuring just 20 of the world's best players in a no-cut, 72-hole competition—creates an intimate and highly competitive atmosphere. With World Ranking points at stake and a $3.5 million purse, the event consistently attracts golf's biggest names, serving as both a competitive showcase and a valuable tune-up for players heading into the new season.

Beyond the competition, the Hero World Challenge's charitable impact through the TGR Foundation represents one of Tiger Woods' most significant contributions to society. The foundation has empowered thousands of students through educational programs, college access initiatives, and scholarship opportunities. This dual mission of elite competition and meaningful philanthropy has made the Hero World Challenge a model for how professional golf tournaments can create lasting positive change in communities.

As the tournament continues to grow, it maintains its core identity as Tiger Woods' signature event—a celebration of golf excellence that simultaneously advances educational opportunities for future generations. The relaxed Bahamian setting at Albany provides the perfect backdrop for this unique blend of world-class competition and philanthropic purpose.