Tiger Woods will play at The Masters (FULL Statement)

Controversial golfer Tiger Woods has announced that he will be competing again to return to his winning ways and he will be playing at The Masters next month (Augusta National Golf Club).

Tiger Woods's Statement.....

The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.

The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played.

I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.

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. I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I again want to thank them both for their support and their understanding. Those are fantastic tournaments and I look forward to competing in them again.

I would also like to thank the Augusta National members and staff for their support. I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game.

Woods gave a public apology last month for his infidelities with different women and he is currently working on saving his marriage to Elin Nordegren (Elin Woods).

[Photo courtesy by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images]