(Reuters) - Tiger Woods ended weeks of speculation on Friday when he announced he will play in next week's Masters golf tournament at Augusta National.
The tournament, the first major of the year, begins on Thursday.
Woods, a 14 times major championship winner, made the announcement on his website after his second visit of the week to Augusta National.
"I'm playing in the Masters," said Woods, who has been slowed by back problems.
"It's obviously very important to me and I want to be there. I've worked a lot on my game and I'm looking forward to competing."
Woods, a four-times Masters winner, has not played in a tournament since withdrawing with back problems during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open near San Diego on Feb 5.
He later announced he would take a break from competition until he felt his game was ready to compete at the highest level.
The lure of Augusta has obviously proved irresistible to the 39-year-old, who has been plagued by a woeful short game over recent months.
"I am excited to get to Augusta and I appreciate everyone's support."
