Just days after releasing his baby Charlie’s photos to the world, Tiger Woods announced he will compete in next week’s WGC Accenture Match Play Championship.Remarkably, when Woods tees off on February 25 he will do so holding the #1 rating on the Official World Golf Rating chart, even after a 253-day layoff.

When Woods left the tour, he had a commanding lead in the ratings. A lead so padded, he remains in the top spot with a 9.895 rating, 2.05 ahead of #2 Sergio Garcia.

Since Woods limped off the Torrey Pines Golf Course in with the U.S. Open trophy and went on the hiatus that included major surgery on his knee, golf has certainly taken a knock in revenue and television ratings. The hype about his return has put golf back in the headlines and is sure to give the sport an economic boast.

With Tiger’s history of winning after returning from long breaks, most people expect him to step back onto the course, regain his patented swing and remain at the head of the class.

A majority of people answering an ESPN poll pick him to win the Accenture Match Play Championship where he is a three-time winner. Many of the experts, however, expect to see some rust.

When Woods won the open last year, he had approximately an 11 point lead in the ratings that has since shrunk to 2.05. Being competitive in nature, Tiger’s return gives him an opportunity to pad that lead and remain in the top spot where he has been a permanent fixture.

And with baby Charlie Axel adjusting to the world with his time clock out of synch, Woods has this opportunity to go back to work so he can get some sleep.

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax