The obvious talking point of the Hero World Challenge is the return of Tiger Woods. The highest profile player in the history of golf marks his return to professional golf with a new swing coach and a remodelled golf swing. Woods has been absent from all golf since August, so it’s fitting he returns at the tournament that supports his charitable foundation and that he has won five times.
The event features a field of only 18, hand-picked by Woods himself. However, the field is still full of high quality players including Jordan Spieth who won in Australia last week, Bubba Watson, and Jason Day, who is also returning from a back injury and paired with Woods for the first two rounds.
The quality of the field is evidenced by the spreading on offer at Ladbrokes Australia. Only $34 separates the best and worst odds offered for the tournament winner, and while the competitiveness will be interesting to watch, most eyes will be on Tiger as they always are when he plays in golf tournaments.
Can he find a swing that fits his ageing body? Can he return to a more fluid and comfortable swing? Can he go low?
All will be answered at the Hero World Challenge Golf tournament starting today.
The Course
Moving away from the famous Sherwood Country Club, the Hero World Challenge is now being hosted at the Isleworth Golf & Country Club. Isleworth’s signature 18-hole championship course, was originally designed by Arnold Palmer before being enhanced by Steve Smyers in 2003. The course is built on rolling terrain and features greens that are generous, undulating and fast, earning its title as the toughest and longest course in the state by the Florida State Golf Association.
The Sound Bites
“We looked at a lot of video from when I was a junior – even when I came out there and had some really nice years where I hit the ball really well. We went back to some of those old videos and really looked at it.” – Tiger Woods on his new swing under coach Chris Como.
“It looked a lot freer, didn’t look like he was getting in his way. It looked like it was on a better path.” – Steve Stricker on Woods’ new swing.
“It looked great to me, I’m glad he’s playing.” – Zach Johnson on Woods.
The Defending Champion
Zach Johnson won last year in a bizarre playoff finish. Johnson holed out for an unlikely par to get there and then Tiger Woods missed a clutch putt (you don’t say that often) to hand him the title.
The Field*
Henrik Stenson – $7.00
Justin Rose – $7.50
Bubba Watson – $8.50
Rickie Fowler – $10.00
Jordan Spieth – $10.00
Tiger Woods – $13.00
Jason Day – $15.00
Matt Kuchar – $15.00
Hideki Matsuyama – $15.00
Graeme McDowell – $15.00
Chris Kirk – $23.00
Jimmy Walker – $23.00
Billy Horschel – $26.00
Hunter Mahan – $26.00
Keegan Bradley – $29.00
Zach Johnson – $34.00
Patrick Reed – $34.00
Steve Stricker – $41.00
*Hero World Challenge Golf odds courtesy of Tom Waterhouse
The Winner
Hard to go past Speith, Watson or Stenson. But don’t discount McDowell – he’s won the event twice.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
