PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- Tiger Woods will return to golf at the Masters next month.

In a statement on Tuesday, Woods said he will play at Augusta National after a four-month hiatus because of a sex scandal.

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

The Masters begins on April 8.

Woods said that while he's returning to competition, he still has a lot of work to do in this personal life.

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

“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," said Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim FInchem issued a statement Tuesday afternoon.

"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," Finchem said.

There was recent speculation that Woods would return to either the Tavistock Cup or the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, both of which will be played this month in Orlando.

"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 last played Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters. Less than two weeks later, he crashed his car into a tree outside his Florida home, setting off revelations that he had been cheating on his wife.

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