Tiger Woods will make his return to competitive golf in April at the Masters, the world's top golfer said on Tuesday, ending a hiatus of nearly five months in the wake of a sex scandal.
In a statement posted on his website, top-ranked Woods said he would return to the sport he has long dominated at famed Augusta National Golf Club at the year's first major championship, which begins on April 8.
Woods has won four times at Augusta National, including his first major title in 1997, the first major crown ever taken by a black golfer.
"After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta," Woods said on his website. "The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect."
Woods has not played in a tournament since winning the Australian Masters on November 15.
Twelve days after that triumph came a car crash near his home that touched off a global scandal which led to his admission of adultery and put his golf career on hold while he fought his own personal demons.
"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment," Woods said. "Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life."
Woods decided against playing in a tune-up event to prepare himself for the challenges he will face on and off the Georgia course in three weeks time.
"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.
Other possible comeback events for Woods would have been the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Tavistock Cup two-day exhibition event, both next week at Orlando, Florida, near his home.
"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.
"I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Those are fantastic tournaments and I look forward to competing in them again."
Woods also thanked Augusta National members and staff for helping him with his comeback choice.
"I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game," Woods said.