Monty welcomes return of Tiger Woods

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has welcomed Tiger Woods' decision to return to golf at next month's Masters.

The world number one confirmed yesterday his intention to compete at Augusta without playing a warm-up tournament.

'It is great to hear the news that Tiger has set a date for his return,' said Montgomerie today.

'He has certainly been missed by the players and fans and I am sure everyone is looking forward to seeing him at The Masters.'

Woods, out of action since mid-November and in hiding most of that time after a string of affairs hit the headlines, decided not to make his comeback at next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Montgomerie will be at Bay Hill, though, for only his second start in America since he was named as cup captain in January last year.

Woods currently occupies the eighth and last automatic qualifying place in the United States points table.

There is bound to be endless speculation about whether he will make himself available for the match at Celtic Manor on 1-3 October.

He has never shown a great fondness for the match, could face heckling, has been on just one winning team in five appearances and the Americans, of course, triumphed while he was out injured two years ago.

Montgomerie's opposite number Corey Pavin has already made it clear, however, he wants the world number one in his line-up.

'If there's anybody on this planet that can handle any situation on the golf course, it would be Tiger Woods,' he said.

'He is as mentally tough as anybody I've ever seen in my life and I don't expect for there to be any problems any way.

'He's the best player in the world and I want to have him on the team.'

Montgomerie and Woods have had some fascinating battles over the years.

Their most memorable clash was at the 1997 Masters when they were first and second at halfway.

Montgomerie aired the thought that his experience could be a key factor, but then was thrashed 65-74 and was so shell-shocked he finished with an 81.

Woods, on the other hands, went on to win by 12 and become at 21 the youngest Masters champion ever.

They finished first and second in the 2005 Open at St Andrews, Woods winning by five, but five duels at the Ryder Cup in either foursomes or fourballs ended 3-2 to Montgomerie. They never met in singles.