I actually like the move, and not just because I'll be at Augusta in less than two weeks.

To address your points:

* I'm not sure Tiger needs much “prep.” He's done this before. Heck, he's won on one leg before. The guy is the best competitor we've ever seen (and yes, I'm including Jordan). Plus, how many rounds does he actually play during these six months during his regular schedule? A handful. I know those count, but I don't see that as a big miss.

* As much as I love and adore the Masters, I'm not the biggest fan of how they manage their golf course and tournament. Snobbery in all its glory. So, I'm not too upset if a few camera crews are sniffing around for a story. Gotta loosen these guys up!

* The PGA doesn't control Tiger, silly. It's the other way around. Eldrick dictates the terms. Without Tiger then have…well…Charles Howell. I think the PGA played a zero role in this decision. This is all Tiger.

* How is Tiger winning in a few weeks bad for golf? I think you're underestimating just how huge a win would be–on a number of levels. Ratings wise, that would be off the charts. If he's leading on Sunday, EVERYONE will be watching. Personally, huge vindication for Tiger. And, from a fan's point of view, that would be the ultimate. As a huge Eldrick fan, I'm disappointed with him (in a big way), but at the end of the day, I just want to see the guy play spectacular golf. And chase that magic 19 number. If he gets a win, he's one step closer.

Great debate, guys!

@arikhanson

1: Tiger's four major victories away from Nicklaus, so there's no way he would miss the Masters. Period. He placed second in his last PGA Tour event, and he won his last event before the hiatus. I equate his time away to the period following his knee reconstruction: he's a bit rusty, but he's been actively working with a swing coach for several weeks now. To think he's anything but totally ready for this moment is silly.

2: The Masters (at least, the television coverage) has been Tiger-centric for years anyway regardless of his place on the leaderboard, and that won't change. Augusta National's incredible level of control means not only that tabloid-level journalists will be kept at bay, but that unruly fans will be dealt with.

3: Disregarding the fact that the Masters is one of few tournaments (and possibly the only tournament) with the capacity to handle the forthcoming storm, you're missing the PGA's ultimate goal in facilitating Tiger's comeback. If its intent were to please an individual sponsor, it could do so quite easily…and it has done starting last season when commissioner Tim Finchem started urging players to compete in events outside their normal schedule whose sponsorship contracts were up for renewal. Their goal here is to set the tone for the entire season. Television ratings sans Tiger have been off 50 to 80 percent, clearly proving that the sport hasn't learned to adapt without him yet. What better way to welcome back the money-maker than by making their crown jewel shine that much brighter?

4: I think, much like his previous absence, the masses are curious whether he can actually win again, not merely in what place he finishes. Of course things would be made easier for him were he to win (and harder for him were he to fail spectacularly), but I think painting either of those as public mandates is misguided.