Tiger Woods Eyes Competitive Event in India; Three Indian-Origin Players in Hero World Challenge

Albany (Bahamas), Dec 4 (NationPress) Former World No.1 Tiger Woods is still optimistic about making his way to India for a competitive event, something he has missed during the past 10 years of being Hero Motorcorp’s Global Partner.

As Woods looks forward to his potential visit to India, Pawan Munjal, the chairman, managing director, and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, is excited to have renewed his partnership with the illustrious Hero World Challenge for another six years until 2030, with Woods continuing as their global partner.

Additionally, one of the highlights for Munjal was the inclusion of three players of Indian origin in the competition: Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, and Aaron Rai.

Munjal expressed, “If you recall, we once had Anirban here, which was a remarkable event. He was ranked in the Top 30 at that time. Having three players of Indian descent among the elite field, including the Top 20, is a tremendous achievement for India.

“We have been on the lookout for an Indian star to elevate the profile of golf in India. I believe that even though they may not be Indians by nationality, their Indian heritage will surely make the entire nation proud and excited,” he stated.

Indian-American Sahith currently ranks 12th, Indo-British Rai holds the 21st position, and Indian American Akshay Bhatia is 31st, with all 20 competitors being part of the Top 40 in the world.

Woods noted, “All the players who have participated here over the years have supported this event, and some have even established their own foundations due to the impact that Pawan and I have had on this event and our various charitable endeavors.”

The partnership between Hero and the Tiger Woods Foundation has been in place since 2014 and will now continue until at least 2030, making it one of the longest associations on the PGA Tour.

While Woods has often utilized the Hero World Challenge, which he hosts, as a venue to assess his fitness and preparation for the upcoming season, he acknowledged, “Yes, I am disappointed. I’m not physically prepared yet to compete at this level. By the time I return here, I was ready to start competing and playing again. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case this time. I still need to continue training to give myself the best chance for next year and the events that lie ahead.”

Regarding the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which finances the LIV series, Woods remarked, “I believe that all of us involved in this process expected progress to occur more swiftly. Even if it had, we remain bound by the regulations of the DOJ (Department of Justice), which is currently overseeing the situation. Even if a deal had been finalized by now, it would still be in the hands of the DOJ. We would have preferred something more concrete and advanced than where we currently stand. Nonetheless, things are fluid, and we are making daily progress. From a policy board or enterprise perspective, developments are constructive. But yes, there’s definitely movement.”

When it comes to his return to golfing and competition, Woods remains enthusiastic and hopeful. He mentioned, “The desire to compete still burns within me. The difference now is the recovery of my body isn’t what it once was. I still love the challenge, whether it’s in golf or any other game, even if it’s just playing cards. Competing is something I cherish.”

The Hero World Challenge is set to take place from December 5 to 8, featuring 20 players, all of whom are ranked within the top 40 globally.

The field is highlighted by World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, who is also the FerdEX champion, a two-time Masters champion, having won in 2022 and 2024, and is the defending champion of the Hero World Challenge.