Tiger back at Honda event for first time since 1993

Former world number one Tiger Woods will play in next month`s USD 1.02 million Honda Classic for the first time as a professional.

"I`ve heard great things about the Honda Classic and now that I live here in Florida I want to play whenever possible," the 14-times major champion said on his website on Tuesday. "Jack Nicklaus`s involvement in the tournament and the benefits to the local community are also important," added Woods, who made his only previous appearance in the event as a 17-year-old amateur in 1993. The Nicklaus Children`s Health Care Foundation is the main beneficiary of the March 1-4 Honda Classic to be played at Palm Beach Gardens. Woods is also planning to compete in next week`s WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Arizona - a tournament he won in 2003, 2004 and 2008- and the WGC-Cadillac Championship March 8-11 in Miami, a trophy he has lifted eight times. The 36-year-old American has kicked off his season by finishing joint-third at the European Tour`s Abu Dhabi Championship in January and tied for 15th at last week`s Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California. "I`m excited about my start and look forward to keep building," said Woods. "I`ve made great strides from last year and hopefully all my hard work will pay off with a victory soon." Woods has slipped to 18th in the world rankings having not won a full-field event since the 2009 Australian Masters. Bureau Report