Hero World Challenge 2025: What to Know as the PGA Tour’s Star-Studded Offseason Showcase Tees Off
December has arrived, and with it comes golf’s version of a laid-back, high-stakes holiday gathering - the Hero World Challenge. This week, 20 of the game’s top players are heading to the Bahamas for a limited-field event that may not count toward the FedExCup, but still offers plenty of intrigue, bragging rights, and a $5 million purse to fight over.
The tournament is hosted at Albany Golf Club, a scenic and challenging layout that’s become a familiar December stop for many of the game’s biggest names. And while the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed than your typical Tour stop, make no mistake: the competition is real, and the field is stacked.
Leading the charge is world No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who’s looking to close out another exceptional year with a statement. Scheffler’s been a model of consistency all season long, and his ability to dominate without always needing fireworks is part of what makes him so dangerous - especially in a smaller field like this one.
Joining him in the Bahamas is J.J. Spaun, fresh off his U.S.
Open victory and looking to prove that his major win was no fluke. Spaun’s game is built on precision and grit, and it’ll be interesting to see how he matches up in a more relaxed setting where the pressure is different, but the competition is still elite.
Also in the mix: Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre, and Keegan Bradley - all of whom bring a mix of experience, international flair, and competitive fire to the event. Rose, the veteran Englishman, remains a savvy contender in any field.
MacIntyre, the rising Scottish star, continues to build momentum on the global stage. And Bradley, always an emotional competitor, has been quietly putting together one of his more consistent stretches in recent years.
With only 20 players in the field, every shot counts a little more, and every mistake is magnified. There’s no cut, so expect players to take more aggressive lines and go flag-hunting early. That means we could be in for plenty of birdies - and maybe a few blowups - as players look to make a splash before the holiday break.
How to Watch the Hero World Challenge 2025 (All Times ET):
- Thursday, Dec. 4 Golf Channel: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 5 Golf Channel: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6 Golf Channel: 12:00-2:30 p.m. NBC: 2:30-5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 7 Golf Channel: 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Even without full FedExCup points or a traditional cut, the Hero World Challenge offers fans a unique chance to see top-tier talent in a more intimate setting. It’s a chance for players to fine-tune their games, enjoy the sun, and maybe pick up a little offseason hardware - and for golf fans, it’s one more reason to keep watching before the calendar flips to 2026.