Get ready for a Masters Tournament unlike any other.

Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he would return to competitive golf at this year's Masters, which will be held April 8-11 at Augusta National Golf Club. (Associated Press)

Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he would return to competitive golf at this year's Masters, which will be held April 8-11 at Augusta National Golf Club.

Woods has not played competitively since winning the Australian Masters in November, and the events of Thanksgiving night at Woods' home led to revelations of a sex scandal.

"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 is a four-time Masters winner. He has 14 career victories in golf's majors, and is second all-time to Jack Nicklaus, who has 18.

"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.

Billy Payne, chairman of the Masters and Augusta National, said the club is supportive of Woods' return.

"We support Tiger's decision to return to competitive golf beginning at this year's Masters Tournament." Payne said in a statement. "Additionally, we support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life."

With tabloid media chasing Woods since he crashed his vehicle outside his home late on Thanksgiving night, the decision to return to golf at the controlled environment of Augusta makes sense. Augusta National limits media credentials, and it is the only authorized source of Masters badges. The tournament's patrons are well known for their manners and hospitality; fans who are rowdy run the risk of losing their badge for good.

The world's No. 1 golfer apologized in February for his marital infidelity and admitted he was undergoing therapy in his first public appearance since the scandal drove him into seclusion.

Woods, who married Elin Nordegren in 2004, admitted that he had undergone therapy. The couple has two children, Sam Alexis and Charlie Axel.

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

Speculation in recent weeks had Woods returning to golf at either the Tavistock Cup, a competition between Orlando, Fla., clubs, or the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Both events will be held next week.

"When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that the Masters would be the earliest I could play," he said. "I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I again want to thank them both for their support and their understanding. Those are fantastic tournaments and I look forward to competing in them again."

Woods scored a watershed victory in the 1997 Masters, his first major as a professional. He became the first black golfer to win a major, and he set Masters records for youngest winner (21) and 72-hole total (270).

That victory set the record for television ratings for a golf tournament, and similar ratings could occur for CBS this year if Woods makes the 36-hole cut and is in contention on the weekend.

A CBS spokesman said the network would not comment on Woods' return at this time.

"I would also like to thank the Augusta National members and staff for their support," Woods said. "I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game."