There's very little change in the 18-man field scheduled to tee off in the $3.5 million Hero World Challenge beginning Wednesday in New Providence, Bahamas.

    The defending champ is Jon Rahm, who won last year at 20 under par and took home the $1 million first prize. Also returning are the next five finishers, Tony Finau (16 under), Justin Rose (-15), Henrik Stenson (-14), and Patrick Cantlay and Rickie Fowler (-13).

    No. 7, Dustin Johnson, is among five who will not be returning, along with Alex Noren, Keegan Bradley, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama. Dustin decided he wants one more week to recuperate from his September knee surgery prior to the President's Cup. The newcomers are Kevin Kisner, Matt Kuchar, Chez Reavie, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth.   

    Last year, Tiger Woods shot a disappointing 73-69-72-73, 1 under, and finished 17th, beating just one player. However, after his impressive victory in the Zozo Championship in Japan with its first prize of  $1,755,000, Tiger will be mostly everybody's choice to win again. He's already tied Sam Snead for the most all-time PGA Tour victories with 82.  

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