12 Mar 2010

NYP reports Tiger Woods likely to play Arnies tournament

6:21 am on 12 March 2010

The New York Post is reporting that world golf number one Tiger Woods is likely to return to the sport in a fortnight at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

Reportedly former presidential press secretary Ari Fleischer, who helped craft Mark McGwire's return to baseball from his self-imposed exile following allegations of steroid use, has been working with Woods to chart a course for his return to professional golf.

Woods has been on an indefinite leave from the game following admissions of marital infidelity late last year.

Woods has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill six times, claiming four straight titles from 2000 through 2003 and two more in 2008-09.

Meanwhile, Woods' longtime friend Mark O'Meara told the Golf Channel yesterday that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Woods played during the Tavistock Cup, a competition between two high-profile golf clubs in Orlando where several prominent PGA Tour players are members.

The tournament is scheduled for March 22-23.