Tiger Woods will return to golf in April by playing at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Woods, the world's No. 1 golfer, has been on a four-month hiatus from the sport since his private life exploded into an international scandal about his infidelities. He announced his return on his web site.
"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta," Woods said in a statement.
Woods was the first black golfer to wear the green jacket, symbol of the most prestigious tournament in professional golf. He is a four-time Masters champion but he has not won the tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club since 2005.
Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National and the tournament, declared: "We support Tiger's decision to return to competitive golf beginning at this year's Masters Tournament. Additionally, we support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life."
Woods last played competitively on Nov. 15, when he won the Australian Masters in Melbourne for his 82nd career victory. Less than two weeks afterward, he was involved in a one-car crash outside his Florida home that required a hospital visit and led to revelations about his personal life that included multiple affairs.
"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment," Woods said in his statement. "Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life."