Golf: Tiger set to return to Phoenix Open

Tiger Woods. Photo / Getty Images

Tiger Woods is looking to play later this month at the PGA Phoenix Open, an event he's skipped since 2001, the former world No 1 confirmed on his website.

Woods has not played in the tournament, known for rowdy fans and loud cheers, since a spectator tossed an orange onto a green while he was putting.

He was also heckled by a spectator in 1999 who was later found to have a gun at the time.

"It will be great to return to Phoenix," the 14-time major champion said in an article posted on tigerwoods.com, which also confirmed that after playing in Phoenix from January 29 to February 1 he would play in the Farmers Insurance Open on February 5-8 at Torrey Pines.

The tournament's par-3 16th hole offers epic scenes unusual in golf of fans cheering and yelling as if they were at a baseball game.

"The crowds are amazing and always enthusiastic, and the 16th hole is pretty unique in golf. Torrey is a very important place to me. My pop took me there when I was younger, and I have a lot of special memories of watching the tour play there when I was growing up."

Woods famously delighted the crowd with an ace at the 16th in 1997.

Chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, Woods returned last month from a four-month layoff due to a back injury at the Hero World Challenge in Florida.

He had said he planned a 2015 schedule somewhat different from his usual campaign.

Woods, who recently celebrated his 39th birthday, is starting his 20th year on the PGA Tour.

He has amassed 79 career victories, second only to Sam Snead's 82 on the all-time list.

-AAP