Tiger’s comeback – what they said

Officials and professionals pledge support for Tiger’s Masters return

Tiger Woods announced his long-awaited comeback to golf this week – and immediately received words of support from many of the sport’s main figures.

Scotland’s own Colin Montgomerie, the European Ryder Cup captain, was among the first to pledge his support for the Woods return, saying: “Everyone is looking forward to seeing him.”

Woods last played on November 15, before news of his affairs rocked the golf world.

Following those revelations, the world No.1 waited almost three months before making a public apology for his infidelities in February, but held out only as far as the season’s first major to make his comeback.

The 34-year-old did reveal, however, that his return to golf did not mean his personal issues had been completely resolved, saying in a statement: “Although I’m returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.”

It seems his return has been welcomed with open arms. Not only from his many fans worldwide, but also from the press, television bosses and even the golf world – with fellow professionals Retief Goosen and Robert Karlsson joining PGA commissioner Tim Finchem as some of the first to add their words of support for the American’s return.

Tiger’s return – what they said…

Colin Montgomerie, European Ryder Cup captain

“He’s certainly been missed by players and fans. Everyone is looking forward to seeing him.”

Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National

“We support Tiger’s decision to return to competitive golf beginning at this year’s Masters Tournament.

“Additionally, we support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life.”

Tom Finchem, PGA Tour commissioner

“We were pleased to learn that Tiger Woods will be playing the Masters in a few weeks. He has invested a lot of time taking steps, both in his personal and professional life, in order to prepare for his return. We all wish him and his family the best as he rejoins the Tour.”

Retief Goosen

“If he’s mentally right and ready to play then it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. It’s not that he’s coming off an injury. Like last time.

“It’s going to be great I think. Everybody would like to see him come back and play. It’s great for sponsors and TV ratings. So I’m glad to see that it looks like his personal life is back on track and he’s ready to come out and play.”

Robert Karlsson

“For me personally, I mean, if it would have been me, I would have played at least once before Augusta. But he’s very, very precise and he usually has a plan on what he’s doing. So I guess he thinks this is the best way of doing it for him.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered