Shamed Tiger Woods picks US Masters for his golf comeback

Shamed Tiger Woods is to return to golf in weeks for the US Masters after a 4-month absence from the game after the exposure of his extramarital affairs...

Tiger Woods tried to move on from his sex scandal yesterday by announcing his return to golf at next month's US Masters.

The disgraced star, 34, has not played since his affairs with a number of women were exposed four months ago. When he tees off some time on April 8, it will have been 144 days since he last competed, 132 days since the car crash outside his home which sent him into hiding as his multiple affairs became public, and just 25 days since he said he might not play this year.

But on his website, Woods - who has been having therapy for sex addiction, on the orders of his wife - said it was finally time to get back playing golf. He said: ‘The major championships have always been a special focus in my career... I have undergone almost two months of in-patient therapy and I am continuing my treatment.'

Woods' announcement came as he was photographed with wife Elin Nordegren, 30, for the first time since the scandal broke. The two strolled round their gated community home in Windermere, Florida.

Walking several feet behind her husband, the mother of his two young children wore a Nike bandana - one of the few sponsors to stick with Woods. Ms Nordegren, 30, is said to have put on hold plans to divorce her errant husband and help him re-build his shattered life.

The golf world was mostly positive about his return. Player Jesper Parnevik said: ‘Nobody ever thought he'd miss the Masters.' American Tour commissioner Tim Finchem added: ‘I'm excited.'

But others were not so welcoming. World No 2 Steve Stricker said: ‘I don't know if Augusta would like that to happen. To turn it into 'Tiger's Comeback Tournament' instead of the Masters tournament.'

Woods last played on November 15, winning the Australian Masters. Two weeks later, his alleged affairs began to emerge with women, including Rachel Uchitel, Cori Rist and porn star Holly Sampson. CLICK HERE FOR MORE WORLD NEWS