Montgomerie welcomes Tiger Woods decision to play at Augusta Masters

London, Mar 18 (ANI): European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has welcomed world No.1 Tiger Woods' decision to return to playing golf at next month's Augusta Masters.

The world No 1, out of action since mid-November and in hiding most of that time after a string of affairs, confirmed on Tuesday his intention to compete at Augusta without playing a warm-up tournament.

Montgomerie, 46, said: "Tiger has certainly been missed by the players and fans and I am sure everyone is looking forward to seeing him at The Masters."

But two-time champion Jose Maria Olazabal will not be lining up alongside Woods at Augusta.

The injury-hit Spaniard, 44, is again suffering from rheumatism and his manager Sergio Gomez said: "He has pain in his shoulder, forearms and hands. He can't swing properly."

"If new miracle remedies help then he will be back, but traditional medicine is failing," the manager added. (ANI)