Houston, Texas ….

Tiger Woods returns to next week’s Masters and a first time in three years with his golf clubs for company and declaring he is a ‘walking miracle’.

Woods also left no uncertanity why he is electing to contest what will be a celebratory 21st Masters appearance.

“I just there to win,” said Woods in an article on his website (TigerWoods.com) written by Mark Soltau speaking of his much-anticipated return to competition at Augusta National and a quest for a fifth members green jacket.

The article commences with Woods admitting his was debilitated knowing he could not swing a club and naturally could not compete.

The 14-time Major Champion attended the Tuesday night ‘Champions Dinner’ but felt uncomfortable.

“It’s been tough just going to the dinner,” said Woods. “I’m not retired. Watching the guys and hearing their excitement about playing was difficult. It was also sad not having Arnold there. It left a big void.”

But Woods will attend next Tuesday’s dinner hosted by Sergio Garcia as a favourite to win the year’s first Major.

“That’s kind of funny,” Woods said. “Quite a shift. Six months ago the odds were I wasn’t even going to play.”

Woods spoke on his website also of his return earlier this year to the PGA Tour and highlighted by going within one stroke of forcing a play-off at the Valspar Championship.

“I’ve been better with each week I’ve competed,” said Woods. “A little more crisp. I’m starting to put the pieces together.

“I got a second chance on life,” he said. “I am a walking miracle.”

Words can’t express how excited he is to tee it up next week at the 82nd Masters. It’s his favorite event and he’s missed it dearly.

“I’m just really looking forward to playing,” said Woods. “It’s the best run tournament in the world. The golf course, the patrons, the entire atmosphere. It’s a golfer’s heaven.”

Last week, Woods played Augusta for the first time since the final round of 2015 Masters, when he tied for 17th. He played two practice rounds and was joined for nine holes each day by Bryson DeChambeau.

“They resurfaced a few of the greens, but they still look like they’ve been there for 100 years,” Woods said. “The course was in fantastic shape. My yardage book was basically the same.”

The weather was cold – in the 30s and 40s – and a challenge was deciding how many layers to wear. The greens and fairways weren’t up to tournament speed, but will be next week.

“It played brutally long,” he said. “The ball wasn’t flying or rolling out. It will play much, much faster in the tournament.”

The elevation changes and sidehill lies came back to him quickly.

“I’ve played basically flat courses,” said Woods. “Hitting off slopes and walking was different. The only real flat spots at Augusta are the tee boxes. You have to make constant adjustments.”