Tiger Woods Likely to Play at Masters Next Month

March 12, 2010— -- Tiger Woods is likely to make his return to golf during the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga., next month, sources say, but they insist Woods has not made his final decision yet.

Woods has won the Masters four times, but should be return the spotlight would be even brighter.

The golfer has been practicing with his swing coach Hank Haney. But playing Augusta would mean returning after a nearly five month break. Woods has not played competitive golf since Nov. 15, when he won the Australian Masters.

"Anything that could go wrong would certainly be exaggerated for somebody who's been away for five months, even the great Tiger Woods," Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist and ABC News contributor, said.

The Masters, which begins April 8, is the most prestigious major and it is also the most tightly controlled. The tournament makes the final decision on every reporter who wants access, which could help Woods avoid questions about his marriage.

The New York Post reported that Woods hired former Bush administration spokesman Ari Fleischer to help repair his image.

When asked by ABC News, Fleischer refused to confirm or deny he was working with Woods.

Fleischer helped former baseball player Mark McGwire choreograph his return to baseball, including finally admitting that he used steroids.

During his public apology last month Woods said he does "plan to return to golf one day. I just don't know when that day will be."

"I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game," Woods said.