Golf fans worldwide get excited each December to watch one of the year's biggest golf competitions — the Hero World Challenge, which starts on December 5. This tournament has a rich history of top-notch winners, perfect scenery, and charity work. Tiger Woods, who has won the event five times, hosts the World Challenge. The money made from the event goes to support the Tavistock Foundation, Tiger Woods Foundation, and Albany Scholars Program.

Although it's on the PGA Tour calendar, the Hero World Challenge doesn't offer FedEx Cup points or official cash. Along with its star-studded lineup and beautiful setting, it creates a pleasant but competitive environment. Players, spectators, and event organizers see this tournament as a "golf gateway," but the competition still matters a lot to players who want to climb up the world rankings. This event mixes the fun of a holiday with the thrill of top-level competition.

Background

Between 1999 and 2007, the tournament featured 16 golfers. In 2008, the number of participants grew to 18. This change happened because it was the first time a year-end PGA Tour event gave out Official World Golf Ranking points.

Every year tournament features winners of the four major championships, the top 11 players available in the world rankings, the Hero World Challenge's current champion, and two special exemptions picked by the Tiger Woods Foundation. Tom Lehman emerged victorious in the first event back in 1999. In 2011, Tiger beat Zach Johnson by a single stroke making him the first player to win the tournament five times. Jordan Spieth holds the title of defending champion.

Where Will Hero World Challenge Take Place?

The Albany Golf Club in New Providence Bahamas, sets the stage for this top-tier tournament. The course is a par-72 championship layout designed by Ernie Els. It spans 7,400 yards and blends links and desert-style golf with a Bahamian flair. 

The Hero World Challenge course has large waste areas, deep sand traps, and greens that roll and dip. Players need to hit with care often dealing with the shifty sea winds that blow in this area. The course demands skill and smart play, while also catching the eye. Most PGA courses have well-kept greens and regular sand traps but Albany stands out with its raw natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression. Fans can expect to see some great golf as players take on what Albany throws at them.

Format Of Golf Hero World Challenge

This event follows a 72-hole stroke play format. Here's how it works:

No Cut: All golfers play for four days (Thursday to Sunday). No one gets cut after any round. This means every player completes all 72 holes, no matter how they score.

Rounds: The tournament has four rounds each with 18 holes. It kicks off on Thursday, December 5, and wraps up on Sunday, December 8.

Tiebreakers: When players end up with the same score after the last round, a sudden-death playoff will decide the winner.

This format puts players' skills to the test in a more reliable way. They need to keep up their game through all four rounds to come out on top.

Hero World Challenge Golf Tournament Schedule

The PGA Golf Challenge 2024 includes four dynamic days and each day's play is crucial in winning the champ. Here's the event's schedule:

Monday, December 2, 2024:

• Players show up and hit the links
• Players arrive at Albany Golf Course.
• Players start private practice (fans can't watch).

Tuesday, December 3, 2024:

• Sponsors and amateurs play a private Pro-Am round in the morning.
• Players and VIPs attend a welcome party and socialise in the evening.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024:

• Pro-Am matches take place and players practice.
• The event starts with live performances and Tiger Woods would give a speech.

Thursday December 5, 2024: Round 1

• Players tee off for their first 18 holes of real competition.
• Players get their scores and see where they stand.

Friday December 6, 2024: Round 2

Players tackle another 18 holes trying to increase the rankings.

Saturday, December 7, 2024: Round 3 (Moving Day)

• Players call this "Moving Day" because they play to move up the leaderboard.
• In the evening players attend social events, like cocktail parties. 

Sunday, December 8, 2024: Final Round and Trophy Ceremony

• Players compete in the last 18 holes to win the championship.
• If needed, a sudden-death playoff picks the winner.
• Officials hand out the trophy and prize money at the ceremony.

Hero World Challenge Money Payout

The Hero World Challenge 2024 has a $4.5 million prize pool which splits among the 20 best finishers. The champion collects around $1 million, while second place gets $450,000. Third place is pretty good too, scoring $375,000. After that, the cash decreases for each spot, until the 20th winner walks away with $120,000. Every player gets a shot at the cash since there are no cuts in this tournament.

Key Players To Watch This Year

This year's Hero Golf World Challenge is going to be epic, with all the top players of golf gearing up to play. Keep an eye out for some standout names that'll be hitting the greens.

• Scottie Scheffler holds the world's number one rank and maintains his lead while challenging the tough Albany course.
• Past champion and top Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama comes to the World Challenge with a sharp game setting him up as a tough competitor to beat.
• The new kid on the block Swedish sensation and PGA newcomer Ludvig Åberg, elevates the atmosphere with his competitive spirit.
• Sahith Theegala's thrilling way of playing has already won him loads of fans, and he stands a solid chance to leave his print in the Bahamas.

Where To Watch the 2024 Hero World Challenge?

You can watch the event live on NBC Sports and Golf Channel. Also, Peacock offers live streaming of the event, and PGA Tour Live provides full live coverage and updates. These options will let you catch all the action from the tournament.

Also Check: PGA Tour Champions Schedule 2024