Tiger Woods: Why Arnold Palmer Invitatational Win Means Woods Is Back

It's been a while, but Tiger Woods is back in the winners' circle—and now that he's proven he can be there again, he won't be leaving. At least until the 2012 Masters is over.

Woods, who hadn't won a PGA Tour event since 2009, posted a 70 in the final round to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the seventh time in his career, shooting a 275 overall. With the win, Woods improved to sixth in the PGA Tour rankings.

The win couldn't have come at a more perfect time for Woods—after being carted off the course in the final round of the Cadillac Championship just a couple of weeks ago with a leg injury, the possibility that he'd even play in the Masters seemed to be in jeopardy. But now, entering golf's biggest stage on the heels of a win for the first time in 30 months, Woods couldn't possibly be in a better situation.

He has always maintained the confidence to win, and now, finally, he has the hardware to back it up.

Woods told USA Today's Steve DeMeglio:

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I enjoyed the progression we made this week. Each day there was a little bit of fine-tuning here and there, and we were able to make those adjustments, which was good, and especially with the conditions getting more difficult on the weekend. I was able to hit some really good shots in the last two days, and that's a very good sign going into Augusta. I understand how to play Augusta National, and it's just a master of executing the game plan.

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That game plan doubtlessly involves elongating the streak he began in this weekend's tournament. All the signs are good for Woods: During the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he was 12 under par on the longest holes, he was hitting the greens and he managed to putt for birdie on 38 straight holes.

Woods' resurgence was clear even to his competition. Graeme McDowell, whom Woods beat by five shots, told USA Today, "I think he just kind of nailed home his comeback. Great to have a front-row seat watching maybe the greatest of all time doing what he does best, winning golf tournaments."

Halting all of the chatter about injury concerns with this big win, there was nothing more Woods could've done to put himself in perfect position going into the Masters. He has chosen the perfect time to prove that he is a threat once again, and there's nothing scarier for the competition.