World number one Tiger Woods will make his long-awaited comeback from injury in next week's World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem revealed on Thursday evening the 33-year-old had committed to play in the event in Arizona.
Woods has been out of competitive action since winning the US Open in June last year after having reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee the following week.
On his own website Woods said: "I'm now ready to play again. "Elin and our new son Charlie are doing great. I've enjoyed my time at home with the family and appreciate everyone's support and kind wishes."
Woods' victory at the US Open last June was his 10th victory in his last 13 tournaments - and in the other three he was second twice and fifth in the other.
He has held on to the world number one spot throughout his lengthy lay-off, although Sergio Garcia has cut his lead to just over two points and could have gone top in the next two weeks if Woods had not returned.
Among those 10 victories was the Match Play and, assuming there are no withdrawals, he will begin his defence against Australian Brendan Jones, 64th in the world.
Woods described his victory at Torrey Pines as "probably the greatest tournament I've ever had."
He had to play more holes than he ever has for his 14 major victories - 91 in all - but he was referring, of course, to the fact that he not only needed knee reconstruction surgery, but also had a double stress fracture in his left leg.
Woods' caddie Steve Williams had said on New Zealand television earlier this week that the American was "probably 95 per cent of the way there".
He added: "He was waiting for the birth of his second child, which just came last week so he's ready to go. He just needs a little bit more walking. He hasn't been able to walk too well.
"He definitely wants to play a couple of tournaments before Augusta (The Masters in April) . He's just got a couple of little issues but when he tees it up that will be a sign to say 'I'm ready to go', because he won't play unless he's 100 per cent.
"He's had to modify his swing a little bit to accommodate his knee, but the guy always finds a way. I'm a little nervous myself to see how he's going to come back.
"Nine months out of the game after a major operation is a long time but he's a hell of a competitor and one of the best we've ever seen in this game, so I would suspect he'll carry right on.
"I know just over the last couple of years the tour has probably taken a toll a little bit on Tiger. He's a person that's different to everybody, he's unique and he's out there in his own league if you like, and I think that's taken a toll a little bit.
"So for him to get a break from it, mentally that will refresh him and that's a big thing. We already know he's the best mentally-tough player who's ever played the game so that in itself is a big factor."
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