Sat Feb 11 2012
PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Tiger Woods said Tuesday he will return to golf next month at The Masters, ending a four-month hiatus brought on by a sex scandal that shattered his image as the gold standard in sports.
“The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect,” Woods said in a statement. “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I’m ready to start my season at Augusta.”
The Masters begins April 8.
The Associated Press first reported his plans to return at Augusta National last Thursday.
Woods has not competed since Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters for his 82nd victory worldwide. Twelve days later, he crashed his car into a tree outside his Florida home, setting off shocking revelations that he had been cheating on his wife.
“The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it’s been a while since I last played,” Woods said.
“I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment,” he said. “Although I’m returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.”
There had been reports he would play the Tavistock Cup exhibition next week in Orlando, followed by the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, where he is the defending champion and a six-time winner.
“When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that The Masters would be the earliest I could play,” Woods said.
Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters Tournament, said the club not only supported Woods’ decision to make his return there, but “additionally, we support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life.”
— Associated Press
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