PALM BEACH GARDENS -- The Honda Classic golf tournament had been preparing for this.

But it did not look like it would happen.

Then on Tuesday, it did happen.

Tiger Woods — well, actually his agent — called to say, “Sign us up. We’re going to play your tournament.”

There were a lot of big grins at Honda along with high-fives and some happy dances.

The commitment from Woods is firm.

Barring injury, he will be teeing up on No. 1 and be playing through the infamous Bear Trap (yes, Jack Nicklaus designed the course) as he finishes his rounds on holes 15 through 17 during the tournament that runs March 1-4.

Late Tuesday, Woods — as expected — confirmed that he would also play at Doral, which starts March 8.

“It’s basically the Honda Classic on steroids now,” Ken Kennerly, the executive director of the Honda, said of his event while talking with a smile that could not be erased.

“Overall, I would have to say it has been a fantastic morning,” he added.

Could Tiger change his mind?

Not going to happen.

“It’s an absolutely firm commitment,” Kennerly said.

“Tiger and his team would never commit to an event unless in his mind he was 100 percent sure he is playing. Right now, he is 100 percent committed to this event. The wheels are moving forward, the Tiger plan is in place, and we will have one heck of a tournament out here in a few weeks.”

“The ticket sales will increase,” Kennerly added. “The spectators will come in droves. The economic impact for the community will be greater. We will have to spend more. More on security. More on everything. This is not just a one-way street. The expenses will go up, but everything will grow. Everything is a multiplier.”

In a written announcement, Woods said, “I have heard great things about the Honda Classic. Jack’s involvement in the tournament and the benefits to the local community are also important.”

Woods’ appearance has been a long time coming. The last time he played in the Honda event was in 1993 as an amateur.

This appearance will be his first as a professional in the Palm Beach/Treasure Coast area.

The competition will not be easy as Woods tries to reclaim the greatness that he once was known for. The field will include Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2 and 3 in the world. Also entered are defending champion Rory Sabbatini, Camilo Villegas, and Rickie Fowler.

Did Kennerly know there was a shot of landing Tiger?

“No, I didn’t know it was coming,” Kennerly said. “I was just hoping to get an answer one way or the other.”

He certainly got the answer he wanted.

Kennerly said he was extremely pleased with the field even before Woods committed.

“Tiger is the whipped cream on the pie,” he said.

Honda tournament director Ed McEnroe was also excited about Woods coming to town: “You want this to happen. You need it to happen. As far as expectations, we’ve been in the business long enough we need to be prepared when something like this takes place. We’re pleased for the county and community and looking forward to it. We welcome Tiger.”