Tiger Woods commits to play in Palmer Invite

ORLANDO, Fla. _ Tiger Woods will return to the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the first time since 2013, when he won the last of his record eight titles at Bay Hill Club and Lodge.

Woods also will tee it up next week during the Valspar Championship in the Tampa area as the 14-time major champion prepares for next month’s Masters.

Woods’ announcement, made Friday on his Twitter account, is the most recent sign the 42-year-old’s latest return from injury is progressing better than many of his previous attempts.

Woods’ legendary career appeared to be in jeopardy last April following his fourth back surgery in the span of three years.

Comeback attempts during each the past three years were cut short due to an ailing back that had robbed him of the game that allowed him to win 79 PGA Tour events.

This time, however, appears to be different.

Woods’ body is strong and his golf generally has been solid during three starts this season.

Woods finished tied for 12th at last week’s Honda Classic and was second in driving distance, averaging more than 318 yards off the tee.

“Tiger Woods is playing better than I ever thought I’d see him play again,” Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee said during a Thursday conference call. “It’s probably a tie between his club head speed and his ability to get the ball up and down again that surprise me the most. I’m not sure which one surprised me the most, but he’s a threat again.