Woods has not played since November 15, when he won the Australian Masters in Melbourne for his 82nd career victory, shortly before his career was derailed when his extra-marital affairs became public.
Speculation that Woods will play sooner rather than later has been rampant since he was seen last week working with coach Hank Haney.
It seemed everyone on the US PGA Tour was convinced Woods would be back in action in a fortnight, at either the Tavistock Cup, a two-day exhibition between two exclusive clubs, or at the PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational. Both events are held in Woods's home city of Orlando.
However, the Associated Press, citing two anonymous sources ''with knowledge of his plans'', reported on Thursday that Woods would not return until the Masters, which makes more sense for Woods, because it is played at a tightly controlled venue that the tabloid media would find almost impossible to penetrate.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational, on the other hand, is held on the Bay Hill course that winds through a residential community, where anyone with initiative could gain entry.
The prospect of the paparazzi emerging from the bushes to photograph Woods during competition must send shivers down the spine of his management agency.
As much as Woods would like to have a competitive event under his belt before the Masters, he might decide it's just not worth the hassle this year.
However, Robert Allenby still thinks there is a good chance Woods will play the Tavistock Cup, which will be held in the gated community where Woods lives.
''If he wasn't going to play for six months, why would Hank [Haney] be there? I look at that as maybe he's getting ready,'' the Australian said.
If Woods plays the Tavistock Cup, he will be on the same Isleworth team as Allenby.
