Scottie Scheffler Clinches Victory at Hero World Challenge, Tiger Woods Makes Comeback with 18th-Place Finish
In a thrilling showcase at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, world number one Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, securing a notable win as Tiger Woods marked his return to competitive play with an 18th-place finish in the 20-man field.
Scheffler, hailing from the United States, delivered an impressive bogey-free round, carding a four-under 68 that propelled him to a final score of 20 under. This performance resulted in a three-shot win over Austrian golfer Sepp Straka.
For Woods, this tournament marked his first competitive appearance since withdrawing from the Masters in April. The 15-time major champion, who underwent ankle surgery earlier this year to address post-traumatic arthritis stemming from a 2021 car crash, completed the event with a level par round of 72.
Looking ahead to 2024, Woods shared his plans to play "once a month," providing a balanced approach for recovery and preparation. The golf legend acknowledged the need to improve his physical condition despite expressing satisfaction with his return.
"I feel like my game's not that far off, but I need to get in better shape," Woods commented, emphasizing the absence of bone pain post-surgery while acknowledging the challenges of aging and the associated recovery protocols.
Pleased about his return, Woods revealed his intention to participate in the PNC Championship, formerly known as the Father/Son Challenge, alongside his son Charlie starting on December 14.
Despite a double bogey early in the round, Woods showcased resilience with a series of birdies, finishing 20 shots behind the event's victor, Scheffler.
Sepp Straka delivered an outstanding performance, carding a remarkable 64 to secure a 17-under total, while Justin Thomas claimed the third spot, one shot further back. Viktor Hovland, last year's champion, climbed through the field with a final-round 63, concluding the event in 10th place.
Reflecting on his victory, Scheffler expressed the significance of the Hero World Challenge as a warm-up for the upcoming season, highlighting the positive momentum gained from this tournament.
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