Tiger Woods out before he is back as heel pain strikes

It was to be a December ruled by the superstar but he will miss his own Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods is out before he is officially back, withdrawing from his Hero World Challenge with heel pain in his right foot.

The Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas was to be the start of a December in golf ruled by Woods, who also has a made-for-television match next weekend, followed by the PNC Championship with his 13-yearold son on December 17-18.

Two of those are still on his schedule. The plantar fasciitis injury was a surprise and is a big setback for those who have not seen Woods play since July at St Andrews. The Hero World Challenge has network coverage on NBC for the weekend.

“In preparation and practice for this week’s Hero World Challenge, I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot, which is making it difficult to walk,” Woods said on Twitter. “After consulting with my doctors and trainers, I have decided to withdraw this week and focus on my hosting duties. My plan is still to compete in The Match and the PNC Championship.”

The Match is on December 10 with Rory McIlroy as his partner competing in a 12-hole battle with Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

Woods has played only three tournaments this year because of a right leg weakened by a car crash outside Los Angeles in February last year that shattered so many bones that Woods said doctors contemplated amputation.

A year ago in the Bahamas, he hit drivers on the back end of the range at Albany Golf Club, sparking speculation he might return. He played the PNC Championship with son Charlie, finishing second by one shot.

Woods then played the Masters, where he finished all four rounds at Augusta National, a tough walk with healthy legs. He made the cut in the PGA Championship at Southern Hills, only to withdraw after the third round.

His last appearance was the British Open at St Andrews, where he missed the cut.

Woods had said he would have a limited schedule going forward.

I’ve developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot, which is making it difficult to walk

TIGER WOODS

This year was an example of what to expect. The World Challenge would have been one of the easier walks on the flat terrain of Albany.

The 20-man field features 15 of the top 20 players in the world. Woods was replaced by Austriaborn Sepp Straka. Earlier, Hideki Matsuyama withdrew with injury and was replaced by Corey Conners.

With Straka included, the entire 20-man field is among the top 33 in the rankings. The strength of the field increases even as TV ratings are sure to take a hit.