Does the Tiger Woods-hosted Hero World Challenge have a Friday cut? Format explored

At the end of the opening day of play at the Hero World Challenge, Cameron Young took a two-shot lead with a bogey-free 64. Jason Day was the worst performer on Day 1, shooting a 3-over 75.

The 2024 Hero World Challenge features 20 players competing for a $5 million purse. Day doesn't have to worry about the Friday cut, as the tournament is a no-cut event, unlike traditional PGA Tour events.

The format of the Tiger Woods-hosted event is a straighforward four-round, 72-hole stroke play. The leader after the four rounds will be declared the winner and none of the players will leave empty-handed from Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.

Another unique thing about the Hero World Challenge is that participants receive OWGR points despite it being an unofficial event on the PGA Tour. However, players will not receive any FedEx Cup points.

Cameron Young takes the first-round lead at the Hero World Challenge 2024

Cameron Young picked up eight birdies on Thursday, December 5, to take the first-round lead at the Hero World Challenge. He shot a 31 on the front nine, thanks to five birdies, and then added three more on the back nine. Notably, he is the only player in the field without a win on the PGA Tour.

During the post-round interview, Young appeared pleased with his performance. He said,

"I drove it great. I'm sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was really well in position. Then I made a couple putts early, which was nice. Just kind of got off to a nice start with the putter. There's a bunch of par 5s and a couple drivable holes, so I feel that if you're on top of it, especially off the tee, you can make a bunch of birdies."

Two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas began the day with a bogey on the third hole but made sure it was his only bogey of the round. After closing the front nine with par, he picked up six birdies on the back nine to finish the day with a 66.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler was tied for third alongside Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia, Sahith Theegala, and Patrick Cantlay, all at 5-under.

Here's a look at the Hero World Challenge 2024 leaderboard after Day 1:

1. Cameron Young – 8-under 64
2. Justin Thomas – 6-under 66
T3. Akshay Bhatia – 5-under 67
T3. Ludvig Åberg – 5-under 67
T3. Patrick Cantlay – 5-under 67
T3. Scottie Scheffler – 5-under 67
T3. Sahith Theegala – 5-under 67
T8. Robert MacIntyre – 4-under 68
T8. Nick Dunlap – 4-under 68
T8. Sam Burns – 4-under 68
T8. Keegan Bradley – 4-under 68
T12. Russell Henley – 3-under 69
T12. Sepp Straka – 3-under 69
T12. Sungjae Im – 3-under 69
15. Brian Harman – 2-under 70
16. Aaron Rai – 1-under 71
17. Wyndham Clark – 1-over 73
T18. Matthieu Pavon – 2-over 74
T18. Tom Kim – 2-over 74
20. Jason Day – 3-over 75