Hero World Challenge golf tournament to bring increased attention to destination

NASSAU, Bahamas, Nov. 7, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bahamas will receive major publicity when golf great Tiger Woods makes his return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas next month following a 16-month hiatus. The tournament tees off December 2-4 at the beautiful Albany golf course.

Woods commented on his return and his excitement about playing in The Bahamas. "I am excited to make my return at the Hero World Challenge at Albany and play in this terrific tournament," Woods said. "This is our 18th year, and every year we put together a top field that showcases the best golfers from the previous season. Albany is an outstanding setting, and I can't thank Hero MotoCorp enough for their support of the tournament and my foundation."
 
The tournament is a challenge event in the PGA Tour, and will be broadcast to more than one billion households in 227 countries and territories. The high profile tournament will attract a number of international media to The Bahamas and will receive live television coverage on the Golf Channel and NBC.
 
The World Hero Challenge is one of several major golf classics that The Bahamas plays host to. Minister of Tourism, Obie Wilchcombe, said The Bahamas is on its way to establishing itself as the golf capital of the region.
 
"We are so pleased that Tiger Woods, who is one of the best golf players of all time, has decided to make his comeback in The Bahamas. His presence will undoubtedly draw golf fans from across the world to our shores."
 
"We have a number of breathtaking golf courses that bode well for not only rounds and rounds of competitive golf but they also give you dazzling views of the coastline," Wilchcombe said. "Albany's golf course isn't on the coastline but that doesn't detract from its appeal. Albany has a championship course."
 
Aside from Woods, this year's field will also feature defending champion Bubba Watson and a field of 16 PGA Tour players. The Hero World Challenge is a four-round, 72-hole stroke play event, a $3.5 million purse, a $1 million winner's prize and Official World Golf Ranking points. It will be held at the challenging par-72, 7,302-yard Albany for the second consecutive year.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best golfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For travel packages, activities and accommodations information, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook Twitter and YouTube

P.S. The Bahamas will host The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic and the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic in January 2017. All are a part of the PGA Tour.

CONTACT: Krystel Brown
         krbrown@bahamas.com
         (242) 397-2793
         
         Anita Johnson-Patty
         ajohnson@bahamas.com
         (954) 236-9292