Woods to make PGA Tour comeback next week

MIAMI (Reuters) - Tiger Woods will return to the PGA Tour at next week''s WGC-Match Play Championship, having been sidelined by injury since his U.S. Open victory last year.

"I''m now ready to play again," the American world number one said in a statement on his official website (www.tigerwoods.com) Thursday.

Woods, whose wife Elin gave birth to the couple''s second child earlier this month, clinched his 14th major title at Torrey Pines in June before having reconstructive knee surgery.

He has not played competitive golf since his astonishing U.S. Open playoff victory over Rocco Mediate.

Defying stabbing knee pain and a double stress fracture of his left tibia, Woods held off a late challenge by Mediate to triumph after 19 holes.

After recovering from knee surgery, he began hitting full shots midway through December and has made his top priority the April 9-12 U.S. Masters, the opening major of the year.

"Elin and our new son Charlie are doing great," Woods said. "I''ve enjoyed my time at home with the family and appreciate everyone''s support and kind wishes."

Woods''s absence from the game for the second half of last year led to a predictable drop in television ratings in the U.S. and the PGA Tour celebrated the news of his comeback.

"We are delighted that Tiger is returning to competition and look forward to watching him compete next week," Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.

Woods is defending champion at the Accenture Match Play Championship, having romped to victory by a record 8&7 margin over fellow American Stewart Cink in last year''s final.

He had previously won the title in 2003 and 2004.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Pacific Palisades, California; Editing by Ken Ferris and Alison Wildey)