Tiger Woods at Accenture: The most anticipated return in golf history?

Not since Ben Hogan came back from his near-fatal car accident a half century ago has so much been made of the return of one player to the game. And even then, as remarkable as Hogan’s comeback was, golf was a minor sport by today’s standards, and Hogan did not enjoy (or relish, for that matter) Woods’ worldwide popularity.

So as we learned today through Woods’ Web site that the world’s No. 1 will be coming back to defend his title at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championships, we can only speculate what the TV ratings will be like.

Don’t you know that officials at NBC and the new The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz., are hoping Tiger isn’t one and done next week. I can’t wait to hear Johnny Miller’s comments.

Woods’ announcement came a day before the tournament deadline. He and his wife Elin recently welcomed a second child into the world.

“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 said in a story on his Web site.

As most of us know, Woods’ last tournament appearance came on June 16 when he beat Rocco Mediate in 91 holes to win the US Open. It was his 14th professional major victory and 65th career win on the PGA Tour. Following the playoff, he had season-ending reconstructive surgery on his left knee. Woods also had fractures in his left tibia.

“I’m now ready to play again,” Woods said.

We’re ready, too.