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Woods' Return Gives PGA Tour A Boost

The Masters every year is circled on golf fans’ calendars, but it is safe to say Tiger Woods’ announcement that he will return to the PGA Tour at Augusta in three weeks will make this year’s event the most anticipated golf tournament in history. CBS and ESPN are all but guaranteed to see a significant ratings increase, and analysts are predicting NFL-type numbers should Woods hang around the front page of the leaderboard on Sunday. While there was speculation Woods would return next week for Arnold Palmer’s tournament in Orlando, The Masters is seen as the safest landing spot for the 14-time major champion. There is no other venue in golf, if not all of sports, that provides the controlled environment of Augusta National. PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem says he anticipates The Masters will serve as the beginning of a full schedule for Woods this year, which unquestionably would give a lift to the Tour. Meanwhile, Nike and Gillette both issue statements in support of Woods’ return.

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