New York, Feb 8: Rumours of American golfer Tiger Woods' imminent return to competition at the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona from February 17 has been emphatically denied by his Kiwi caddie Steve Williams.

"The stories stating Tiger will return at the matchplay have no truth to them," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Williams, as saying.

Certain media reports had earlier suggested that Woods was set to stun the world by returning to the Dove Mountain course where he made his comeback from knee surgery last year.

The 9.54 million dollar event was won by Melbourne's Geoff Ogilvy last year and is one of the most prestigious titles outside the major championships.

It is also a favourite event for Woods, who has won it in 2003, 2004 and 2008.