Tiger Woods returns

Tiger Woods will return to the PGA Tour following the longest layoff of his career by competing in next week's World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.

"I am now ready to play again," Woods said Thursday. "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."

The tournament will be the 14-time major winners' first event since an epic US Open victory last June at Torrey Pines. Woods made the announcement on hisu00a0website.u00a0

Eight days after his US Open triumph Woods underwent season-ending surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Woods also had stress fractures in his left tibia, injuries that affected him during his gritty US Open win, in which he needed 91 holes to defeat Rocco Mediate.

Mediate said Woods' return is a blessing.

"He's the man. He is the king," said Mediate, while competing Thursday at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles. "And I will guarantee you he wins that tournament next week.

"You think he is coming out not going to give 180,000 percent. He is not coming out to say 'let's see how I do'. He is still Tiger."

The timing for Woods' return was affected by several factors and not just the rehab on his knee. Woods' wife Elin just gave birth to their second child Charlie Axel on February 8.

"We received confirmation today that Tiger Woods has committed to play in next week's Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Ariz." PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said Thursday. "We are delighted that Tiger is returning to competition and look forward to watching him compete next week."

Woods will be included in the 64-player field which begins play February 25 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club course in Marana, Arizona.

Woods has won the Accenture Match Play Championship three times, including last year when he beat Stewart Cink 8 and 7 in the 36-hole championship match. Of his nine starts at the Accenture Match Play Championship, he has seven top 10s.

Woods is scheduled to face Brendan Jones in the opening round on Wednesday unless someone withdraws from the event.

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