Tiger to return for the match play

[Franco!]

http://www.tigerwoods.com/defaultflash.sps
Tiger Woods announced today that he would compete in the 2009 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship February 23 - March 1. Woods is the defending champion and also won the event in 2003 and 2004.

"Elin and our new son Charlie are doing great. I've enjoyed my time at home with the family and appreciate everyone's support and kind wishes," Woods said.

Woods last played June 16th, defeating Rocco Mediate in 91 holes to win the US Open. It was his 14th professional major victory and 65th career win on the PGA Tour. Following the playoff, on June 24th he underwent season-ending reconstructive surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and some cartilage damage in his left knee. Woods also had fractures in his left tibia.

In six starts on the PGA Tour last year, Woods won four times and finished second in the Masters. He also captured the Dubai Desert Classic on the PGA European Tour. His 14 majors trails only Jack Nicklaus' total (18) and his 65 PGA Tour wins is third on the all-time list behind Sam Snead (82) and Nicklaus (73).

"I'm now ready to play again," Woods said.

[kafka01]

Finally - cant just watch a golf tournament and have no idea who the winner will be - that drove me nuts...

[supersport]

GWS rest of the field.

[Crafty]

I couldn't be happier that Tiger is coming back to play! Im very interested to see what swing changes he has made now that he has a fully functioning knee, as well as any equipment changes, which seem to be few and far between for him.

But I do have one little complaint. All of the announcers keep saying that they feel bad that Brendan Jones has to play Tiger in the match play now. Shouldn't we at least have a little bit of sympathy as well for the guy who got kicked out now that tiger is playing?!

[PiKapp23]

I was really surprised he would choose to return to this particular event just because of the nature of match play. His appearance could be as short as 10 holes or he could end up playing 36 holes a day for a couple of days. Plus, it's a new course for the event. I was really thinking he would return to Doral. At least in stroke play it gives him a round to get back into the groove.

Oh, well. He's not my favorite player but I still enjoy watching him play (especially when he's 'off' - that's when it's interesting).

[hrossroth]

Tiger has commented in the past about his relationship to match play style golf. He has said something about enjoying being so close to his competition. Having to match shot for shot, this is what is the bedrock of his golfing nature. I believe this style of competition is well suited for him because of his ability to come up with the shot he needs, when he needs it. It will be exciting for me to see him back, no matter how many holes he gets to play on his return .

[MI Rob]

Great to see Tiger is back and playing soon.

[Quinn07]

They said on the GC that the match play event will somewhat provide him with a Sunday round feel as though each matters as much as playing well on Sunday. I can't wait for him to come back to see how good his swing is now. Should be interesting.

[Titleist Man]

Yeaaaaa. Hopefully now there will be so many great shots we dont have to listen to Nick Faldo, Kelly Tilghman and company make ridiculous comments

[Franco!]

I couldn't be happier that Tiger is coming back to play! Im very interested to see what swing changes he has made now that he has a fully functioning knee, as well as any equipment changes, which seem to be few and far between for him.

Nobody got kicked out, Brendan Jones is 64th in the world.

It's not like Tiger said, "I'm not playing." and then he changed his mind.

[MSDOGS1976]

Yeaaaaa. Hopefully now there will be so many great shots we dont have to listen to Nick Faldo, Kelly Tilghman and company make ridiculous comments

Surely you gest. There will be more stupid comments than ever. I will turn the sound down while watching.

[bogeyhitter25]

Oh man, I'm pumped!

[Stacey_E]

One word......YES!

[IcemanYVR]

I was really surprised he would choose to return to this particular event just because of the nature of match play. His appearance could be as short as 10 holes or he could end up playing 36 holes a day for a couple of days. Plus, it's a new course for the event. I was really thinking he would return to Doral. At least in stroke play it gives him a round to get back into the groove.

My sentiments exactly... I was really sure he would make the start at Doral, continue on to Bay Hill, and then off to the Masters. I really wonder how much Accenture weighed in on this decision.

[goblue107501]

Nobody got kicked out, Brendan Jones is 64th in the world.

Exactly. If he didn't play, everyone would have just moved up one spot and #65 would have been in as the last player. I have looked at the entry list, but chances are someone in the top 64 will drop out for whatever reason and he won't play Brendan Jones anyway.

I was little surprised that he chose this event. As others have said, this could be a very long week playing 36 two days straight if he makes it that far. On the other hand, if he makes it to the quarterfinals and loses, then it can be said he had a good week coming back for the first time. Maybe he felt this would be a better way to ease back into competition instead of perhaps struggling to make a cut if he wan't that sharp.

[Crafty]

Nobody got kicked out, Brendan Jones is 64th in the world.

Agreed, but as it stood before Tiger deicded to play, number 65 would have been in the field. So, in a sense, number 65 got kicked out by Tiger.

[pcmancini]

I really wonder how much Accenture weighed in on this decision.

Lots I would imagine.