PGA Tour’s biggest star will return at Masters
The Masters has long boasted a “tradition unlike any other.” Next month, when the tournament hosts its 74th edition, it will have attention unlike any other.
On Tuesday, superstar Tiger Woods announced that he would make his return to competitive golf at Augusta National, April 8-11.
“The Masters is where I won my first major, and I view this tournament with great respect,” said Woods via press release. “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I’m ready to start my season at Augusta.”
Woods will pick up his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships, the most hallowed record in the sport. Woods has captured 14 majors, winning his first at Augusta in 1997 and his last at the U.S. Open in 2008.
“The major championships have always been a real special focus in my career and as a professional,” said Woods in the statement. “I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it’s been a while since I last played.”
This will be Woods’ first tournament since the World Golf Championship, Nov. 5-8. On Thanksgiving night, Woods ran his car into a fire hydrant outside his home. In the following weeks, extra-marital affairs with more than a dozen women were revealed. He entered a sex rehab facility in Mississippi on Dec. 31.
“I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy, and I am continuing my treatment,” said Woods. “Although I’m returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.”
The Masters will provide a closed environment for Woods. Tight controls at the exclusive private club will make it less likely that Woods will encounter hostile fans or press. The Masters is the only PGA Tour event that does not allow media members inside the ropes.
It’s a level of protection Woods would not have received if he had returned, as rumored, at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, March 25-28. Woods, a six-time winner at Bay Hill, called Palmer on Tuesday morning.
“He expressed his regrets for not being able to play. He said he was sorry, but he really didn’t feel his game was up to speed to start playing this early,” Palmer told the Golf Channel. “Certainly under the conditions, and everything that’s happened, we understand.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and Masters Chairman Billy Payne released statements supporting Woods’ decision.
“We support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life,” said Payne.
At this week’s PGA Tour stop, the Transitions in Palm Harbor, Fla., players were supportive and excited about the return of their rainmaker.
“I think it’s great,” Bubba Watson told PGATour.com. “He said he wasn’t going to come back until he was ready. Hopefully, everything’s going well in his life and he’s ready to go and he’ll start performing like he used to.”
Several players said that the Masters would be the best tournament for Woods’ return, but that the scrutiny he is under at subsequent events would be difficult to endure.
“I think he’s got to face the medicine at some stage, with the crowd’s reaction and with other players,” Rod Pampling told the Golf Channel.
Until then, the Masters will be must see TV, not only for fans, but players.
“Most importantly, there’s gonna be a ton of buzz about golf,” said Brandt Snedeker. “It’s gonna make the Masters even more fun to watch. I’m not playing. I’m gonna watch and see how he plays. It’s gonna be exiting for golf.”
