Woods will come back in the Masters

Tiger Woods ended a week of speculation and debate over the state of his game Friday by announcing he will play next week in the Masters.

Golf ’s biggest attraction and four-time Masters champion played two practice rounds at Augusta National this week before a simple announcement on his website that he would end his twomonth leave on the sport’s biggest stage.

“I’m playing in the Masters,” Woods said on his website. “It’s obviously very important to me, and I want to be there. I’ve worked a lot on my game, and I’m looking forward to competing. I’m excited to get to Augusta, and I appreciate everyone’s support.”

Woods has played on two tournaments this year and completed only 47 holes. His short game was shockingly bad at the Phoenix Open, where he shot a careerworst 82 and missed the cut by nine shots. And he didn’t get out of the first round at Torrey Pines.

A week later, he said his game and his scores were unacceptable. “I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I’m ready, I’ll be back.”

Westgate Las Vegas Superbook listed odds for Woods winning at 40-1.

Andrew Putnam made a late charge to pass three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson and take a one-shot lead after two rounds of the Houston Open.

The 26-year-old Putnam, who made his PGA Tour debut here a year ago, birdied six of his final nine holes on the Golf Course of Houston’s front side for a seven-underpar 65. He was at 12-under 132.

Mickelson, who won the event in 2011, shot 67 for a share of second place at 133. He had gone into his post-round news conference assuming he’d be leading the tournament. Another late finisher, qualifier Austin Cook , matched Putnam for the day’s low scores with a 65 of his own to tie Mickelson.

Graham DeLaet (67) and Luke Guthrie (68) were tied for fourth at 134. Scott Piercy, who had a twoshot lead after a tournament course record-tying 63 in the first round, had a 74.