Is Tiger Woods coming back too soon?

Many thought that Tiger Woods' seemingly limitless sex scandal would end his career. But now, after a stint in a sexual addiction clinic, Woods says he's ready to rebuild his professional life and has announced he'll play at the Augusta Masters tournament in early April. Is America ready to forgive this erstwhile role model? (Watch Golf legend Greg Norman discuss Tiger Woods' comeback)

The timing is ideal for him: In the golfing calendar, the Augusta Masters represents "spring and rebirth," says Mike Lopresti at USA Today. This event, where Woods' "legend first bloomed," is one that represents "warm memories" and "easier days." And it won't hurt that "the crowds at Augusta are as reverent as church pews, and their size is tightly controlled."

"Masters can mean new beginning, new attitude for Tiger Woods"

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

The timing is unfair to his family: Only four months have passed since Woods' life imploded, says Craig Gross, a sports counsellor quoted by the Huffington Post. That's far from enough time to "ameliorate the mistrust and the hurt" he inflicted on his family. He "doesn't need to" return to golfing, he just "wants to" — is this just a selfish "escape" from the "hard work" he needs to do to mend his ways?

"Tiger Woods' Return: Too Soon or Just Right?"

How much "penance" do Tiger's critics require? A "month per mistress?" asks Oliver Holt in the Daily Mirror. Woods "made some mistakes" and he will "continue to pay the price" as the butt of jokes for years to come. But his "sport needs him," and "we love watching him." Isn't it "time to give him a break?"

"Tiger Woods can forget the green jacket on Masters return — he'll need a flak jacket"