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 on 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 his Web site, www.tigerwoods.com.
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,” Mediate said while competing at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles on Thursday. “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 Feb. 8.
“We received confirmation today that Tiger Woods has committed to play in next week’s Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Arizona” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said on 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 that begins play on Wednesday 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.
World No. 64 Jones played in his first Accenture Match Play Championship last year and lost to Australian compatriot Adam Scott 2 and 1 in the first round. Woods trails only Jack Nicklaus (18) with his 14 major victories.
Woods won four times in his six starts on the tour last year and placed second in the Masters. He also won the PGA European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic.
Woods did not finish lower than fifth in the half dozen starts last season — which was also halted for some time by arthroscopic surgery on the same knee on April 15.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely