2022 Hero World Challenge Preview, Picks & Analysis
By: Derek Clements | Mon 28 Nov 2022
Tiger Woods was expected to compete in the Hero World Challenge this week, but the 15-time major champion has withdrawn due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) November 28, 2022
Despite this disappointment, Woods has assembled a star-studded field this week, with Viktor Hovland back to defend the title he won 12 months ago. He will be joined at Albany in the Bahamas by a group that includes Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Tony Finau, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, and Matt Fitzpatrick.
On top of that, Cameron Young, Sungjae Im, Max Homa and Tom Kim will all be making their first appearance. By anybody’s standards, it is a pretty impressive field.
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Tournament Winners
It was won in 2015 by Jordan Smith, in 2016 by Bubba Watson, in 2017 by Hideki Matsuyama, in 2018 by Rickie Fowler, in 2019 by Jon Rahm, in 2020 by Henrik Stenson and last year by Viktor Hovland.
The Course
Albany was designed by Ernie Els and is a spectacular course that combines the best of links and desert golf. There are several water hazards and waste areas but the fairways are pretty generous. It is a par 72 measuring 7,309 yards.
Form Guide
There is a perception that Jon Rahm has had a poor year. Oh yes? He won the Mexico Open, the Open de Espana by six strokes and the DP World Tour Championship. That’s the sort of poor year most players would settle for. Oh, and he is a previous winner here.
To Win:
Jon Rahm. In form
Each Way:
Tony Finau. Great driver of the ball
Each Way:
Justin Thomas. This course is made for him
Five to Follow:
Jon Rahm. Played quite beautifully in Dubai
Tony Finau. A class act
Justin Thomas. Terrific ball striker
Xander Schauffele. Wonderful temperament
Sepp Straka. Replaces Tiger Woods in the field.
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