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Posted Feb 3, 2010, 11:01 am

B. Poole TucsonSentinel.com

Rumors that Tiger Woods will return to golf this month at the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship appear to be greatly exaggerated.

In a report dated Feb. 4 (hey, it's Australia - there's a dateline involved), Melbourne, Australia's Herald Sun speculated that Woods might make his 2010 debut here. Writer Mark Hayes - citing no sources - reported that "whispers" are developing that Woods will return here. The world's No. 1 golfer stepped out of the game indefinitely after admitting to a series of extramarital affairs.

The Herald Sun report was vague:

Because his management has gone to ground with its star client, there remains no official word on Woods' return, but there are strengthening whispers that it will be in the $9.54 million World Golf Championship event, won last year by Melbourne's Geoff Ogilvy and one of the most prestigious titles outside the major championships.

Tournament officials were mum.

"We don't have a comment on speculation about Tiger's plans to return to play. We do not have any indication as to when or where Tiger plans on returning to play. The official commitment deadline for the Accenture Match Play Championship is next Friday," tournament Press Manager Chris Reimer wrote in an e-mail response to a query.

The Accenture tournament will bring the world's top 64 golfers - or at least the ones who accept the invitation - to Marana's Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain from Feb. 15-21. Woods has until 2 p.m. Feb. 12 (local time) to accept his berth in the tournament.

What's your take?

Will Tiger be on the course for match play? Or will he maintain his seclusion? Whether Tiger shows or not, TucsonSentinel.com will bring you complete coverage of the golf tournament.

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