Tiger Woods to play in Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Tiger Woods, who recently moved into his new home on Jupiter Island, will play in the Honda Classic just a few towns south, in Palm Beach Gardens, it was announced on Tuesday by tournament officials.

"I heard great things about the Honda Classic. Now that I live here I want to play whenever possible. (Jack Nicklaus') involvement in the tournament and the benefits to the local community are also important," Woods said in a release.

The Honda Classic will be held March 1-4 at PGA National. It is the first time Woods will play at the event at PGA National. Woods played at the Honda Classic in 1993 as an amateur when it was at Weston Hills. Woods has played at PGA National at various junior events.

THE HONDA CLASSIC WILL BE BROADCAST ON WPTV NEWSCHANNEL 5

Woods' representative informed Honda Classic officials about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Woods finished tied for 15th at last week's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California.

Woods, making his first PGA Tour start of the year, began the final round four shots off the lead, but never got on track. He struggled on the greens, and finished 3-over-par 75, nine strokes behind winner Phil Mickelson.

Speculation was that Woods would play Honda since he recently moved into his multi-million mansion on Jupiter Island in Martin County.

The AT&T at Pebble Beach also had not been on his schedule in recent years.

Woods rarely plays three tournaments in a row, and it was speculated that he almost certainly will play in World Golf Championships events immediately before (Arizona) and after (Doral) the Honda Classic. Golfers need to commit to playing the WGC in Arizona by this Friday.

Woods, who once held the No. 1 ranking in golf for an unprecedented time, is now ranked 18th. He has not won on the PGA Tour since September 2009, just before his professional and private life were shattered by a sex scandal. He divorced Elin Nordegren in 2010.

Woods has won 14 major titles, four short of the record held by Nicklaus, who lives in North Palm Beach.

HONDA CLASSIC TICKETS

You can buy Honda Classic tickets individually or in special packages. They can be bought in advance or at the gate for an additional $5.

Prices are:

Individual: Tuesday, practice round - $20; Wednesday, pro am - $30; Thursday, Round 1 - $40; Friday, Round 2 - $40; Saturday, Round 3 - $40; Sunday, Round 4 - $40.

Classic Value Pak: Includes more than $300 in savings at various PGA National Resort & Spa outlets, partner offers, and discounts to many local golf courses. $99

Bear Trap: Allows grounds and upgraded access, including views of hole No. 16, as well as views to the tee and greens of the signature par-3 17th hole. $100 each day, Thursday through Sunday.

Champions Club: Overlooking the 18th Fairway includes upscale food and premium bar service resulting in the ideal venue to host friends, family and business colleagues at The Honda Classic.

To buy tickets, go to http://www.thehondaclassic.com or call 1-866-8HONDA8 (1-866-846-6328).

More details to come soon.