Scheffler wins Hero World Challenge as Woods shines on return

World number one, Scottie Scheffler, finished 20 under on Sunday to claim victory at the Hero World Challenge. Scheffler carded a final-round score of four-under 68, which was more than enough to see him coast to victory. Josef Straka trailed behind after finishing 17 under, while Justin Thomas took third place after finishing 16 under.

Scheffler, who did not drop a shot on Sunday, was impressed with his victory, saying it was “great for momentum” and the “kind of a warm-up for the next season.” It is normal that he should feel good about himself after finishing as runner up for the past two years. 

Former world number one, Tiger Woods, who was playing his first game in months, was tied at 18th together with Justin Rose, at 9 under. Woods, who made five birdies on Sunday, had not played a match since April, when he underwent ankle surgery. Now that he’s back, Woods is hopeful he can play in one event a month in the 2024 season: “Once a month seems reasonable. It gives me a couple of weeks to recover and a week to tune up. Maybe I can get into the rhythm.”

He also noted that his performance on Sunday was not as bad, but work was still needed to improve his play. 

Before the next season starts, however, Woods will team up with his son, like he has been doing for a few years now, at the PNC Championship. Last month, he was spotted caddying for his son at the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship. 

Speaking on the pain that he had surgery to fix, Woods said he no longer felt the pain like before but still had to observe certain measures. Indeed, things have not been the same for one of the best hands ever to swing a golf club since his accident in 2021. But Woods is proving that he can defy all odds and still continue to do what he loves best.  

For now, there is no schedule or list of events Woods is confirmed for next year, but it is very likely he will take part in major events.

Leon Osamor