Tiger Woods made clear his intentions for next week’s Masters tournament at Augusta with a simple statement posted to his website Friday afternoon.
“I’m playing in the Masters,” he said. “It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there.
Woods played a practice round Tuesday at Augusta National, fueling speculation that he would return to competitive golf at the first major of the year. Woods hasn’t played since Feb. 5 when he withdrew after 11 holes at Torrey Pines because of back tightness.
“I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’m looking forward to competing,” Woods said Friday. “I’m excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone’s support.”
Woods won the first of his 14 career majors at Augusta in 1997, setting a Masters record by winning by 12 strokes (he shot 18-under par). Woods has won the Masters four times in his career, most recently in 2005. He last won a major in 2008 when he beat Rocco Mediate in a playoff at the U.S. Open.
