Reaction to announcement of Tiger's Masters return

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The golf community reacted to Tiger Woods' announcement Tuesday that he plans to return at the Masters.

Billy Payne, chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club: "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."

NEWS: Tiger Woods will make his 2010 season debut at the Masters in April. Click for story HELEN ROSS: Woods' news welcomed by peers at Innisbrook Click for story REACTION: Check out the reaction among those in the golfing community. Click for story PHOTOS: Classic photos of Tiger Woods at Augusta National Click for gallery COMMISSIONER: PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem's statement about Tiger's return. Click for statement SIX REASONS WHY: Here are six reasons why it makes sense for Tiger to make his 2010 debut at Augusta National. Click for story VICTORY ROOM: Will Tiger add a fifth Masters to his Victory Room? We've got complete coverage of every Tiger win. Click for Victory Room PGA TOUR TODAY: Casey Black details the recent events surrounding Woods and previews his highly anticipated return. Click for video FAN REACTION: Check out what golf fans are saying through Twitter and Facebook. Join the discussion on Twitter or Facebook. Click for story MARKETING: What does Tiger's return mean for the sponsors that stuck by him? Click for story

PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem: "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."

Jim Furyk: "We want the best player in the world out playing golf again. He's got to do what's best for him. I realize looking at the big picture it's good for everyone. What's good for the best player in the world is probably good for the big picture and the PGA TOUR." -- GOLF Channel

"You never bet against him. In the last 22 months, he's played, what, 15 events? ... He's been able to overcome it before. He seems to be able to take a bunch of time off and pop right up there and be the same old guy. Not many players, no one that I know of, are actually capable of that. But he does it well."

John Daly: "Business as usual, him being inside the ropes, he'll be focused on what he needs to do. I really thought he'd play Bay Hill, a tournament before Augusta just to get it all out. ... The thing about Augusta is it's [one of the best] security tournaments of all. It's not like you can just walk in and buy a ticket, so it's tough and there's less crowds. ... It's going to be all business for Tiger. Me personally, I'm glad to see him back. ... I don't think it's a comeback for Tiger. Tiger doesn't have anything to prove to anybody." -- GOLF Channel

Arnold Palmer: "Augusta is one place in the world that you can really have control, and they will control everything from the crowds to the situation that will be facing Tiger. I think that if there is a place in the world that you can do that and do it properly, Augusta will do that.

"He sounded good. He had some zip in his voice. He sounded just fine. He knows what he wants to do with his life and the way he's going to handle it, and I guess we're going to give him that respect. I would think for Tiger it's going to be tough. It's going to be something that's going to take him a little time to get used to.

"He expressed his regret for not being able to play. He said that he was sorry, that he really didn't feel his game was up to speed to start playing this early. " -- GOLF Channel

Rocco Mediate: "I don't have any worries about what he'll do when he comes back. If he wins the Masters, it will not be a surprise to me. Period. I know he hasn't been around for a while, and I know he's been through hell but physically he's OK and mentally he's got to deal with it. But if anyone can do it. He can do it. If anyone can pull this off, he'll pull it off."

Heath Slocum: "Obviously, the ratings will be off the chart. It will be interesting to watch -- not only the reaction from him, but from the fans, the media, the players. I would venture to say he might be nervous." -- Associated Press

Trevor Immelman: "I think it's great for the game. It's tough for a sport when your No. 1 player is not participating and we've had a few years now with the knee injury and this where he's missed the majority of the season. So I think it's fantastic for the game and for the TOUR and our sponsors to have the opportunity to have him back. So that's a no-brainer."

Carl Pettersson: "I wouldn't be surprised if he wins just because he's that type of guy. It'll be interesting."

Justin Rose: "I'm sure he's going to be motivated. I think the best way for he to put this all to rest is to win the golf tournament, so that's obviously going to be his goal."

Bubba Watson: "I think it's great. It means his family and him and everybody think he's got his life where it needs to be and now he's just working on his game. I think it's going to be great. It's great for the TOUR. I think it's going to be great for him to get out of the house and play some golf. Hopefully everything's good in his life, and that's what it shows. He said he wasn't going to come back until he was ready. Hopefully, everything's going well in his life and he's ready to go and he'll start performing like he used to."

Parker McLachlin: "I think it's great. It's great for the TOUR, I think it's probably good for him personally to put this behind him and start moving on with his professional career. It's exciting to have him back."

Stewart Cink (Twitter): "Wow I've had a lot of calls today from friends who have decided to come to the Masters this year."

R&A spokesman Malcolm Booth: "We're pleased to hear that Tiger is to return to golf. ... Golf needs the world No. 1 to be playing."

Nike statement: "We look forward to Tiger's return to the Masters and seeing him back on the course."

Gillette statement: "Like many sports fans around the world, we're looking forward to seeing Tiger back on the course."

Electronic Arts statement: "We're looking forward to seeing Tiger back on the golf course. All eyes will be on Augusta in a few weeks."