Tiger Woods will return to competition next week in the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, he announced Thursday.

"I'm excited to get back out there," said Woods, who has been idle since withdrawing from The PLAYERS Championship after nine holes on May 12 after sustaining a mild medial collateral ligament strain to his left knee and aggravating a strained left Achilles tendon.

Both injuries were originally occurred during the third round of the Masters, when Woods hit a recovery shot out of pine straw on the 17th hole. He went on to shoot 74, but followed with a 67 on Sunday and tied for fourth.

Following the advice of his doctors, Woods has rested and rehabbed his left leg, and just recently began hitting practice balls.

Woods has had great success at Firestone, winning the WGC event seven times. Last year, he tied for 78th, marking the first time in 11 appearances that he has failed to finish in the top four.

In 2011, Woods has competed in six PGA Tour tournaments. He has posted two top 10 finishes and has made five-of-six cuts.

Tiger Woods will be playing golf, yes playing golf, next week at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.  This is a good event to return on because it is a no-cut event and will help his rankings and prize money.  The field is smaller too, making the chances of winning or placing high more likely if he plays well.

Tiger playing next week is a bit of an unexpected event, and certainly good for golf whether you are a Tiger fan or not.  When Tiger plays, viewership is far greater.

Questions

There are some big questions which may be answered as next week arrives.

Is Tiger ready physically and mentally to play?

Are the injuries really healed?

Who will be his caddie?

Is Sean Foley still his swing coach?

Will his swing be any different to reduce the wear on the bad knee?