Tiger Woods says he will play in Masters

Tiger Woods released a statement Tuesday announcing that he will return to golf at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club., which begins April 8.

We can now start counting the days (23) until he returns to competition at Augusta National , which will take place after a four-month hiatus that started when he became embroiled in a scandal over extramarital affairs.

[Updated at 9 a.m.: “The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect,” Woods said in the statement. “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I’m ready to start my season at Augusta.”

Woods added: “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.”]

Less than two weeks after winning the Australian Masters on Nov. 15, Woods wrecked his car -- and scandal soon followed as rumors of adultery began flooding out.