Tiger Woods will make his return to golf at the 2010 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. The world's No. 1 golfer made the announcement on Tuesday morning.
Woods is working with Ari Fleischer, former spokesman for President George W. Bush. Fleischer also helped plan Mark McGwire return to baseball as the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The statement reads:
"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.
"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.
"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.
"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. I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I again want to thank them both for their support and their understanding. Those are fantastic tournaments and I look forward to competing in them again.
"I would also like to thank the Augusta National members and staff for their support. I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game."
Woods has attended the Masters in each of his 13 years as a professional golfer. The Masters also happens to be his first career Major victory. The club is privately owned and tightly controls all media and spectator access.
He last played Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters.
