Golf fans express surprise at Tiger's scheduled return

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Tiger Woods is ready to tee it up again. Tuesday, the man who gave up professional golf back in December as he tried to recover from a family crisis involving sexual infidelities, announced he will compete in this year's Masters tournament in early April .

But is golf ready for him to return?

Greg Havill, the head PGA professional at the Woodstock Club in Indianapolis, admits he is a Tiger Woods fan. But he did not expect Tiger's return to the tour this quickly.

"Bit of a surprise I suppose because he clearly said that he wasn't sure. He said he was going to play some time this year, but he didn't give any indication he'd be coming back this soon," said Havill.

Jack Barber, the head PGA professional at Meridian Hills Country Club in Indianapolis, said, "It is surprising to me. I would have thought he would take more time off for all the issues, but will see how it plays out."

Barber, the 2009 National PGA Pro of the Year, says the Masters is the most tightly controlled golf tournament for the media and for fans and that's why Tiger has chosen it to begin his comeback.

"People are afraid to say things because they don't want to maybe lose their tickets. They don't want to not be invited back," he said.

Will Fox is an avid golfer who likes the way Tiger plays the game. But he's not sure that now is the time for Tiger's return.

"I have kind of mixed feelings. I mean I think he did himself a disservice, but it's about golf. He's got some personal things going on. I mean I really don't care, I think golf is good right now," said Fox.

Fox says professional golf is bigger than Tiger.

Havill agrees.

"Do I think the PGA tour would survive without him? Yes I do, I really do. But we still need him, that's for sure," said Havill.

In Tiger's speech about his affairs -- and sexual addiction -- he said he would give back more to fans and the game. The pros say they want to see if he follows through on that promise.

By the way, PGA pros can attend the Masters. Jack Barber of Meridian Hills says he will. Greg Havill of Woodstock says he never has in his 21 years, but this year he just might.

You can watch the final two rounds of the Masters on 24-Hour News 8.