Woods returns at WGC Matchplay Championship

Tiger Woods’ return from injury is likely to take the spotlight at the 2009 WGC Matchplay Championship at the Ritz and Carlton Golf Club.

The world number one has been out of action since injuring a knee in his impressive victory at the 2008 US Open, and golf fans have been eagerly anticipating his return to the game.

“I’m now ready to play again,” Woods said on his website last week.

Woods return to the PGA Tour is expected to have a significant effect on professional golf, which has experienced a measurable slump in attendances and public interest during his absence.

While Woods’ return is keenly anticipated by golf fans, most realise that he is unlikely to defend the WGC Matchplay title he won in 2008, and will require a few tournaments to shake off the rust and return to form.

Despite his long absence from the game Woods has been seeded first in the Bobby Jones bracket, alongside Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, Mike Weir and Geoff Ogilvy.

Woods will face world number 64, Brendan Jones, in his first match of the 2008 WGC Matchplay Championship.