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.

“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. Read more…

Major development today in the Tiger Woods golf comeback drama: PGA Tour player Steve Stricker committed today to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

Stricker, who hasn’t played the tournament since 2005, is a longtime friend and teammate of Woods. One month before Woods’ Thanksgiving car accident, Stricker partnered with him at the President’s Cup - going 4-0 in the process.

But more important is Stricker’s connection to another member of Team Tiger.  Read more…

The ASSOCIATED PRESS slips in an interesting note about The Masters today that could aid in the return of Tiger Woods.

Players typically have until 5 p.m. Friday the week before a tournament to commit to playing. In the U.S. Open and British Open, they must submit an entry form.

The Masters is by invitation and has no such rules. So if Tiger Woods decides to play the first major of the year, he only needs to show up before his tee time on Thursday.

Masters spokesman Steve Ethun said when Woods announced his indefinite break from golf on Dec. 11, Woods’ spokesman Glenn Greenspan (who previously had Ethun’s job) said he would keep Augusta National apprised.

The Masters sent Woods an invite in December and Masters spokesman Ethun was asked recently what Woods’ status for the tournament was. Read more…