Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods will make his much awaited comeback at the Hero World Challenge in December Getty

Tiger Woods is set to make his comeback before the end of the year after he announced that he will play the Hero World Championship in taking place in Albany between 1 and 4 December. The former world number one made the announcement on Tuesday (1 November) and will be playing his first tournament since tying for 10<sup>th place at the Wyndham Championship in August last year.

The American golfer, who was the top ranked golfer for a record 683 weeks has slipped down the rankings and is currently No 831 in the world. The Hero World Challenge is hosted by the Tiger Woods foundation and will have some of the top golfers from around the world taking part in the tournament.

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Bubba Watson, the defending champion, will return and will be joined by the likes of Zac Johnson, Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose, reigning British Open champion Henrik Stenson and two-time major winner Jordan Speith among others.

"I am excited to make my return at the Hero World Challenge at Albany and play in this terrific tournament," Woods said, as quoted by USA Today.

The 40-year-old 14-time major champion was expected to make a comeback earlier in the year at the Safeway Open after recovering from a back injury – something that has plagued him in recent years – but pulled out of the tournament. He also pulled out of the ongoing Turkish Airlines Open, but made it clear that it was not due to injury. Woods decided to extend his hiatus after admitting that his game was not up to par with the best on tour and was keen on spending more time in the practice ranges before making his competitive return.

"After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA Tour or compete in Turkey. My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be," he said in October, via a statement on his official website.

"I practised the last several days in California, but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn't ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation's event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.