Tiger Woods sports goatee, wraparound shades while practising in Augusta

Professional golfer Tiger Woods was spotted sporting a rough-looking new goatee and wraparound shades as he practiced for his return to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga.

Woods, 34, had a days-old growth of facial hair, and wore a lavender striped Nike polo shirt and khaki slacks, as he teed off at the famed course, reports the New York Daily News.

The golfer, who will hold a press conference on April 5, was also wearing a spiritual Buddhist bracelet that he says provides strength amid the storm of the sex scandal.

Looking relaxed, Woods chatted with caddy Steve Williams as in between swings at Augusta, and also shook hands with fellow golfer Jim Furyk.

The Masters, which starts on April 8, will be his first tournament since his reputation was ruined by reports he cheated on his wife with a bevy of babes.