Woods' Return To Golf Will Supercharge His Legend

CLEVELAND - With the announcement yesterday that Tiger Woods will make his return to pro golf next month at the Masters, predictions of his possible performance and the expected media circus that will ensue began in earnest.

This isn't even the beginning.

Woods, 34 has been absent from the sport that he almost single-handedly popularized since a mysterious and minor car accident in November ignited a stunning unraveling of his previously squeaky clean image. With endless revelations of his harem of mistresses made public, the legendary Woods vanished from public view and didn't resurface until he gave a questionable press conference last month to "apologize." Even then, he never definitively stated when he'd return to golf.

Until yesterday.

There has been a very mixed reaction to Woods' intention to return to competitive golf at the Masters. Some are thrilled that he'll grace the hallowed tournament with his presence, while others think that his timing is lousy. Some think he'll win, others say it's impossible to return from such a lay-off and win something as challenging and competitive as the Masters. Either way, Woods is guaranteed to infuse loads of enthusiasm and a coat of sparkle to Augusta and the Masters. If he wins, it will be a huge sports story tantamount to a miracle given his inactivity for months. If he loses, he will do so under an umbrella of a global audience and media that will scrutinize his every move and word. The hurricane of questions regarding his personal life will persist and interest for the nationally televised event will be off the charts.

All because of Woods.

Given Tiger's laser-like focus and apparent ego, I expect him to at least deliver a dramatic and excellent showing. Sure there may be rust, but Woods has always been amazing at overcoming challenges on the course. Moving forward, the Masters tournament will be only the first step in another glorious rise for Woods.

He may have been disgraced by the sordid tales of insatiable and seemingly random sex, but soon he'll be bigger than ever.

And he just might own another green jacket.