Masters 2015: Tiger Woods confirms he will play at Augusta
- Published
Woods finished fourth in his last Masters appearance in 2013
Four-time winner Tiger Woods has confirmed he will play in the Masters at Augusta, which starts on Thursday.
Woods, a former world number one, has not played in a tournament since 5 February.
The world number 104, withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open after just 11 holes with a back injury.
"I'm playing in the Masters," said Woods, 39. "It's obviously very important to me, and I want to be there."
BBC Sport golf correspondent Iain Carter: |
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"It will be 62 days since his last competitive golf when Woods tees off at Augusta on Thursday. It is asking an awful lot for him to contend given the backdrop to his comeback.The course will make tough demands on his shaky short game and he has played only 47 holes on the PGA Tour this year. His return, though, adds further lustre to what is already an eagerly anticipated Masters." |
Woods played a practice round at Augusta before making the announcement on his website., external
He added: "I've worked a lot on my game and I'm looking forward to competing. I'm excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone's support."
Woods, a 14-time major winner, has missed the cut in the only two tournaments he has played this season.
He posted the worst score of his professional career earlier this year, with an 11-over-par 82 at the Phoenix Open.
Woods' major victories | |
|---|---|
Masters (4) | 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 |
PGA Championship (4) | 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007 |
US Open (3) | 2000, 2002, 2008 |
Open Championship (3) | 2000, 2005, 2006 |
After withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open he announced he would be taking an indefinite break from golf, saying his game was "unacceptable for tournament play".
Woods last won a Green Jacket in 2005 and last played at the Masters in 2013, finishing fourth. He pulled out of the 2014 tournament after having surgery on a pinched nerve in his back.
He has continued to struggle with back injuries and has not won a major in seven years, since the US Open in 2008.
You can listen to coverage of the Masters on BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra; watch live coverage of the final two rounds on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Red Button and highlights of rounds on Friday. Follow live updates on BBC Sport Online from 9-12 April.
England's Ian Poulter tweeted his delight at Woods' return
Woods finished 12 strokes ahead of runner-up Tom Kite to win his first Masters in 1997
Woods last won the Masters in 2005
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