Tiger's Return to Controlled Masters Environment 'The Smartest Choice'

PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- Nap time is over.

Tiger Woods will make his long-anticipated return to golf at next month's Masters, taking his battered image to Augusta National in a calculated move that surprised few of his peers.

"I think it makes a lot of sense," Jim Furyk said Tuesday after hearing the news at the PGA Tour's Transitions Championship. "It's the most controlled atmosphere you could possibly have.

"Not that security would not be tight wherever he goes, but Augusta has that stigma. It's just different. Everyone really is in awe of that place. From top to bottom, it's the most controlled atmosphere."

Augusta National's iron-fisted control of the season's first major has few boundaries. Fans -- referred to as "patrons" in Masters vernacular -- are orderly and polite, their behavior modified by a history of poor etiquette (particularly heckling) resulting in removal from the grounds.

The tournament limits the number of accredited media and the deadline for application (no exceptions) has long passed -- meaning no celebrity-journalism outlets.

Also, unlike tour events and the other three majors, where media, scorers and officials often walk along with players, no one is allowed inside the ropes at Augusta National.

"If he gets some heckling, which everyone assumes he will, he'll get a heck of a lot less at Augusta than anywhere else," Furyk said. "It seems the smartest choice."

It means, while Woods may not return unnoticed to the tournament he has won four times, but the circus expected to greet his return can be greatly controlled and reduced.

"It sets up perfectly for him. You need to be long and all that stuff and he is the best putter, and still will be. I would not be surprised (if he won.)"
- Rocco Mediate "I think it was a great idea for him to make that choice," 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman said. "I think anybody who enters the gates at Augusta, understands the history and the reputation of Augusta National and the Masters and acts accordingly."

Augusta National chairman Bill Payne welcomed the announcement and offered the club's backing.

"We support Tiger's decision to return to competitive golf beginning at this year's Masters Tournament," Payne said in a statement. "Additionally, we support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life."

Woods has not played competitive golf since Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters for his 82nd career worldwide title. Twelve days later, he smashed his Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant outside his home in the gated community of Isleworth near Orlando, Fla., opening the door to an image-wrecking sex scandal.

Just over a week ago, he returned to a practice routine and brought swing coach Hank Haney to Isleworth to help knock off the rust.

Many golf insiders figured Woods, who trails Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships by four, would desire at least one tournament appearance before the Masters and would likely pick next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he is defending champ, to make his return.

Still, no one was willing to say he cannot return to action at the Masters and not be an immediate threat.

"I'm sure he'll be completely ready to go and ready to play," Rocco Mediate said. "He's only won there four times.

"It sets up perfectly for him. You need to be long and all that stuff and he is the best putter, and still will be. I would not be surprised (if he won.) I don't think he's going to come out and hit it sideways -- no matter when anybody hopes or thinks."

Immelman went even farther.

"It's a no-brainer that he will come back and be competitive," he said. "The guy's the greatest player on earth.

"I think he would have to go into that tournament being the favorite."

Woods twice has gone nine weeks without competing before showing up for a major championship. The first time was in 2006, when he played the Masters and then did not return until the U.S. Open because of the death of his father.

He missed the cut.

Two years ago, he was out because of a knee injury before returning to win the U.S. Open.

"I don't think he'll have a lot of trouble, because when he gets out there he knows he's the best," Mediate said.

Two days after defeating Mediate in a playoff Woods underwent major knee surgery and did not return to the PGA Tour until eight months later. He won his third event back -- the Arnold Palmer.

"I don't know who knows what stage his golf is going to be in, but everyone has made a career out of underestimating Tiger Woods," former U.S. Open winner Geoff Ogilvy said. "I think he probably will play all right.

"He'll add another dimension to what's already the most exciting tournament of the year. It's certainly going to be interesting."