The news was very much expected but then it is still disappointing to officially learn the 2020 Hero World Challenge has been cancelled.

The Bahamas has long been in lockdown mode to both arrivals and departures and with a statement released overnight indicating the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and associated travel restrictions, Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation announced on social channels the cancellation of this season’s Hero World Challenge at Albany, Bahamas.

There was suggestions the event may return to Isleworth, and where it was played in 2014, but it seems that would have made it impossible for many of the India-based support staff to travel to the US.

The unofficial 18-player event was to have taken place from December 3rd to 6th, 2020

Swede Henrik Stenson was the defending champion at the Hero, where recent winners also include Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth.

Woods’ five Hero victories and five runner-up finishes came when the tournament was held at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California, which is hosting THE ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD this week.

Here is the official tournament statement:

“Given the current global restrictions and ongoing developments resulting from COVID-19, the 2020 Hero World Challenge will not be played this year. This decision was made with the health and well-being of all tournament constituents and the Albany community in mind.

“We look forward to hosting 18 of the top players in the world and welcoming tournament guests to Albany, Bahamas next year.

“Updates on the 2021 event will be made at HeroWorldChallenge.com and @TGRLiveEvents social channels.”

We also look forward now very much to returning to the Bahamas in 2021.