Last Thursday, Robert Lusetich of FoxSports.com reported:
Tiger Woods is set to make his return to tournament golf next month at the Masters.Despite reports that had him coming back in two weeks at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, FOXSports.com has learned that the world No. 1 has decided to forgo a warm-up appearance before the year’s first major.
Lusetich’s report didn’t get much traction at the time, but his report confirming Woods to The Masters was the first main media outlet claim - and it was dead-on.
Earlier today, Tiger Woods released this statement to the media confirming he’s playing The Masters:
“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.
(What, no Perkins in 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.”
Seems like a tall order, returning at The Masters. But of course, the only reason he’s doing that is because of crowd control and protection from the media.
Same old Tiger. Nothing has changed. Has to be surrounded by enablers or he can’t function.
Why is he giving notice? Because he doesn’t want to upset the folks running Augusta National. If it was Bay Hill, he would’ve waited until the last possible moment to commit, like he always does.
10:44 am on March 16th, 2010
I disagree. He could come out and not have been humbled by this experience but like I said I disagree. I think Tiger is very humbled by all the revelations and will be a little more demur. Now with the press, well he might still toss all of you under the bus but I really believe that we will not see the club throwing, the swearing etc and the arrogance on display as previous. You are assuming he is still going to be arrogant. However he really could be thinking he wouldn’t be ready til April. Remember, he will play now AFTER the Masters. And he will have to face the crowds but having one tournament under his belt (hopefully with a win) might help him mentally. I realize that many of the posters out there are Tiger haters and really hope to see him fail but I am rooting for him to succeed. Golf is way more fun with him on the couse hitting great shots.
Now if he displays his arrogance on the course like throwing clubs still etc and isn’t humbled by almost losing everything, well then I will retract my statements and no longer support him. But he deserves a second chance and I am all for giving him that chance.
10:50 am on March 16th, 2010
Shes Hot
11:01 am on March 16th, 2010
Why is that dude wearing a dress?
11:32 am on March 16th, 2010
What I like about tiger is how easy it is for all of us to relate to him. wait,…what? The question is how will jim nance conceal his boner?
11:40 am on March 16th, 2010
Woods’ is all about drama. Dont think there was much doubt he’d return at the Masters and dont’cha know the other players will be thrilled at all the extra media coverage as well as the Master’s officials? (heavy on the sarcasm)… The Masters just turned into a circus….I hope the galleries let him have it…
12:10 pm on March 16th, 2010
Who gives a shit, now if his sexy beautiful wife, you know the one he cheated on with these 1/2 men, were there in shorst flirting with all the other men. I’d watch it, otherwise I have socks towash!!
12:21 pm on March 16th, 2010
that chick makes me want to throw up. was he on f*ing quaaudes? seriously.
1:19 pm on March 16th, 2010
The Ego will have landed….The Commish is the one excited that ’shagger’ is coming back
2:15 pm on March 16th, 2010
In any case, him coming back, is going to give “everything golf” a serious boost in viewership, and profits.
Wade/Jack: Must’ve been wearing his beer goggles.