He's back

Did anyone expect Tiger Woods' self-imposed sabbatical from golf was going to last a serious length of time?
The world's No. 1 golfer released a statement today explaining he'll return to golf for the 2010 Masters, according to the Associated Press.
"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect," said Woods on his Web site. "After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta."
Augusta National is known for its cordial, polite and respectful galleries.
There's a standard at the venue on how spectators should act, and heavy heckling most likely won't be tolerated.
So, Woods is coming back at the perfect spot to shield himself from antagonizing behavior from the people outside the ropes.
I've never been a pro-Tiger fan, since he turned pro and won over most golf fans and transcended the notion that golfers aren't athletes.
However, with that said, I think this is the best spot for him to return to his passion.
And there should be no doubt not only that he cares about golf, but that the Masters and Jack Nicklaus' major championship records matter the most.
Something tells me both Woods and the Masters will be prepared.
Woods' 2008 U.S. Open triumph was met with a long layoff to repair his damaged knee, the design being to get himself ready for the 2009 Masters.
He's won four green jackets - only Nicklaus has more with six .
And the Masters isn't without handling controversy, either.
The venerable tournament is hosted annually at the super exclusive club, with the caveat being it's a male-only club.
In 2002, Martha Burk led the protest outside the Augusta grounds during Masters Week, as the venue was practicing sexism by not allowing women.
So, both the Masters and Woods have past experiences to draw upon in preparation for this year's first major championship.
And while this isn't the same as an injury layoff or a women's rights movement, Woods' return to the sport from his sex scandal should please at least some people - those running the PGA Tour and the sponsors that didn't leave.
Ratings for tour events have always hinged on whether El Tigre was in the field or not.
Arguably one of the biggest annual sporting events (along with the Super Bowl, World Series, Indy 500, etc.) has never needed added exposure.
Well, get ready Augusta, because all eyes will be on the spring extravaganza April 5-11.