2023 Hero World Challenge Preview, Picks & Analysis

It may be little more than an exhibition event, but the Hero World Challenge has once again attracted a world-class field, with the added bonus that tournament host Tiger Woods will be making his competitive return.

It is the first time we will have seen Woods in action since he limped away from The Masters in April and had to go under the knife yet again.

It is a measure of his standing in the game that six the top 10 in the world and 11 of the top 20 will be teeing it up at Albany in the Bahamas.

And you can be sure that each and every one of them will be doing their very best to win.

Viktor Hovland will be looking to close out a magnificent year by winning the tournament for the third year on the trot, and few would bet against him doing precisely that.

Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography

The Norwegian went wire-to-wire to win last year. “It was nerve-wracking,” said Hovland, who held a five-stroke lead and nearly squandered it. “I didn’t play all that great on the back nine but it was good enough.”

The tournament benefits Woods’  TGR Foundation. Sadly, the 15-time major champion was forced to withdraw from the event before it started due to plantar fasciitis.

On a warm, sunny day, Hovland withstood a final-hole blunder and closed with a 3-under 69 to secure a two-stroke victory over Scottie Scheffler. Hovland shot a 72-hole total of 16-under 272, and become the first player to successfully defend his title since Woods in 2006 and 2007.

“That’s pretty bad ass,” he said. “I’m just happy he didn’t play the last two years. It’s an amazing event and to win his event obviously is very special.”

In 2021, Hovland came from six strokes behind with a final-round 66 to beat Scheffler.

Hovland has had an astonishing year. He won The Memorial, the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship and walked away with the FedEx Cup, picking up $14,112,235 in official prize money and a further $18m for his FedEx Cup success.

Apart from his wins, he also finished tied second at the US PGA, tied third at the Players Championship, tied seventh at The Masters, He also finished tied second at the DP World Tour Championship and fifth at the BMW PGA Championship and would love to book-end his season with another success.

Scheffler may have something to say about that. Like Hovland, he has also had a memorable 12 months, winning the Phoenix Open and the Players Championship. He also had an extraordinary run of 19 tournaments in which his worst finish was tied 12th. He was twice a runner-up had 17 top-10 finishes, 21 top 25s and did not miss a single cut in 23 starts.

This is a nice little earner. The winner will go home with a cheque for $1m and the man who finishes last collects $100,000. Nice work if you can get it.

Tournament Winners

It was won in 2015 by Bubba Watson, in 2016 by Hideki Matsuyama, in 2017 by Rickie Fowler, in 2018 by Jon Rahm, in 2019 by Henrik Stenson, and in 2021 and 2022 by Viktor Hovland. There was no tournament in 2020.

The Course

Albany is a stunning course designed by Ernie Els. It combines a mixture of links and desert features, with windswept dunes and several water features. It is a par 72 that measures 7,309 yards

Form Guide

Viktor Hovland has to start as a red-hot favourite to win for a third time on the trot. After taking a break following the Ryder Cup, he finished tied second at the DP World Tour Championship. In truth, any of the 20-man field will feel they can win, but Hovland is the man to beat.

To win:

Viktor Hovland. Looking for three in a row

Each way:

Scottie Scheffler. There is nobody who is more consistent

Each way:

Max Homa.Wonderful temperament

Hero World Challenge Five to Follow

Viktor Hovland. In wonderful form

Scottie Scheffler. Contends every time he plays

Max Homa. So consistent

Cameron Young. Looking for that elusive first win

Justin Thomas. Battling to recapture his very best form