Tiger Returns To The Scene Of The (Love) Crime -- For A $3 Million Pay Day

Tiger Woods is returning to where his life started to crumble -- Melbourne, Australia.

It was during the serial cheater’s visit Down Under where The National Enquirer photographed New York socialite Rachel Uchitel checking into Woods’ hotel.

The philandering star has just announced he will defend his Australian Masters title -- his last victory -- in November.

And RadarOnline.com has confirmed the local government is paying the serial love rat up to $3 million just to turn up.

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But Victoria's state authorities are defending the move to use taxpayers' money to hire Woods.

"We're not the morality police here in Victoria," said local politician Tim Holding.

"We don't cross-examine sporting superstars about their personal lives... I just think that's a very slippery slope.

"Everyone's entitled to a second chance and I think Tiger Woods is no exception."

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The government believes the multi-million-dollar price tag to lure Woods --  despite his lurid sex scandal — will be paid back more than 10-fold in economic gains.

Last year, the appearance generated a $34 million boost to their economy in ticket sales, hotel and restaurant bookings.

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It turned out to be Woods' last tournament until the US Masters in April, as a mysterious November 27 car accident led to revelations of marital infidelity that prompted him to take a five-month break from the game.