PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Tiger Woods said today he will return to golf next month at the Masters, ending a four-month hiatus brought on by a sex scandal that shattered his image as the gold standard in sports.

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

Woods has not competed since Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters for his 82nd victory worldwide. Twelve days later, he crashed his car into a tree outside his Florida home, setting off shocking revelations he had been cheating on his wife.

The Associated Press first reported his plans to return at Augusta National last Thursday.

"The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played," Woods said.

"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy, and I am continuing my treatment," he said. "Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life."

By The Associated Press