Tiger Woods will start trying to restore a reputation battered by marital infidelities at next month's US Masters, the tournament which helped him become the world's most marketable sportsman. The world No. 1 has not competed since his victory at the Australian Masters on Nov. 15 and has opted to make his comeback at Augusta National where he won the first of his 14 majors in 1997. “I view this tournament with great respect,” Woods, 34, said in a statement Tuesday. “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.” The American, whose golfing dominance has placed him in the pantheon of all-time sporting greats since he turned professional in 1996, has won the Masters four times. “The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played,” he added. “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.” The return of Woods to Augusta, where he last triumphed in 2005, will be one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Asked whether any extra contingency plans would be made, a Masters official told Reuters: “We've recently learned of this ourselves so I'll be better equipped to answer those specifics some time soon.” Despite not having hit a ball in competition for four months, Woods has already been made a firm favorite to win the Masters with British bookmakers William Hill installing him at 4-1. “If he wins the Masters, it will not be a surprise to me,” said American Rocco Mediate, who was beaten by Woods in a 19-hole playoff for the 2008 US Open where the world No. 1 played with a double stress fracture in his left shinbone. Woods announced in December he was taking an indefinite break from the game to save his marriage after revelations emerged of his repeated infidelity. He has apologized to his family and fans but had not indicated until now when he might return to golf. Woods trails only Jack Nicklaus, who has 18 titles, in the all-time major standings and has long targeted overhauling the benchmark set by his fellow American who was his golfing idol as a child. Last month Woods made a carefully managed first public appearance since his spectacular fall from grace. He said he was sorry for cheating on his Swedish wife, Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two small children, and that he was undergoing therapy. “I have undergone almost two months of in-patient therapy, and I am continuing my treatment,” Woods said Tuesday. “Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.” Media reports have said he was treated for sex addiction in Mississippi. The impending return of Woods has been warmly welcomed by golf officials and sponsors. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said: “He has invested a lot of time taking steps, both in his personal and professional life, in order to prepare for his return.”
