Top 10 things – Hero World Challenge

Feature by Anand Datla

December 01, 2014: The world’s leading manufacturer of motor cycles is about to herald a new era this week. The title sponsor of the Hero World Challenge, an event hosted by Tiger Woods on behalf of his foundation will see an iconic Indian brand sponsor a global golfing event on this scale for the first time.

The PGA Tour event will feature Woods in action for the first time since he missed the cut at the PGA Championship earlier this year. The tournament will also have a new home this year at the Isleworth Country Club after moving from the Sherwood Country Club in Southern California.

Here are 10 things to know about the Hero World Challenge –

1. Tiger Woods is making a comeback this year for his annual charity TW Foundation Tournament.

2. Zach Johnson is the defending champion.

3. The event offers a total prize purse of $3.5 million, with the winner pocketing a cheque for $1 million.

4. Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, will take over title sponsorship of the World Challenge beginning this year.

5. 18 PGA TOUR players are competing in this year’s edition competing for honours alongside the host Woods.

6. The tournament has been a regular event since 1999, adorning the foundation’s calendar and raising an impressive $25 million for the Tiger Woods Foundation and other local charities.

7. Woods is a five-time winner of the tournament, having won first time in 2001. Davis Love III and Graeme McDowell are the only other multiple winners.

8. The field this year will have 6 countries represented, including 13 players from the United States.

9. The field this year also includes 4 past champions.

10. Hideki Matsuyama is the only player from Japan. He will also become the first Japanese player to compete in the Hero World Challenge.