3 Indian-Americans at Hero World Challenge, Bahamas

World No. 12 Sahith Theegala will be at the Hero World Challenge in Bahamas

Three players of Indian origin, for the first time, will play at the 2024 Hero World Challenge in Albany, Bahamas, from December 5 to 8 – hosted by 15-time major winner Tiger Woods. The spotlight will be on PGA Tour winners Sahith Theegala from California, Akshay Bhatia of South Carolina, and Aaron Rai from England. However, this year’s tournament comes with a significant announcement: Woods, plagued by injuries and recent surgery, will not compete himself.

The inclusion of Sahith Theegala (ranked 12th in the OWGR), Aaron Rai (21st), and Akshay Bhatia (31st) is a major moment for the Indian diaspora in sports. Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, emphasised the significance of this representation and said, “To have three boys of Indian origin in a field of the top 20 is a huge, huge thing for India. The entire nation will be very proud of this fact.”

Munjal also highlighted the broader implications for Indian golf, expressing hope that these players’ success will inspire more stars from India to emerge on the global scene.

While the inclusion of Theegala, Bhatia, and Rai signals progress, it also underscores the disparity between Indian-origin players thriving abroad and domestic Indian golfers who are struggling to make a global impact. Currently, only one Indian golfer, Gaganjeet Bhullar, ranks within the top 50 on the Asian Tour (48th), and Shubhankar Sharma is the sole representative in the European (DP World) Tour rankings. This stark contrast highlights the need for stronger support and infrastructure to develop homegrown talent in India.

Tiger Woods, who has been Hero MotoCorp’s Global Partner for a decade, reaffirmed his commitment to the partnership, which has been extended until 2030. Despite being unable to compete this year due to recent back surgery, Woods expressed optimism about potentially playing a competitive event in India—a checkbox he is yet to tick.
Woods last played at The Open in July, missing the cut and marking a difficult year in which he participated in only four majors, finishing last among those making the cut at The Masters. Despite his absence, Woods expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event and welcomed three exemptions—Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and rising star Nick Dunlap.

The 20-player field comprises:

Major Champions: Scottie Scheffler (2022, 2024 Masters), Wyndham Clark (2023 US Open), Brian Harman (2023 The Open), Justin Thomas (2017, 2022 PGA), Jason Day (2015 PGA), and Keegan Bradley (2011 PGA).
Debutants: Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Ludvig Åberg, Robert MacIntyre, Aaron Rai, Matthieu Pavon, Nick Dunlap, and Russell Henley.

Tournament Details: