Woods ends victory drought at World Challenge

Tiger Woods won the Chevron World Challenge on Sunday, the one-shot triumph in an unofficial 18-man event his first victory since a 2009 sex scandal shattered his iconic image.

Woods had gone 26 starts worldwide without a victory as personal turmoil was followed by struggles on the course with swing changes and, this year, injuries that curtailed his playing time and stalled his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles at 14.

On Sunday, the former world number one delivered under pressure, making birdies at 17 and 18 to erase a one-shot deficit and beat former Masters champion Zach Johnson by one stroke.

"It feels great," said Woods, who let out a roar as his six-foot birdie putt at the final hole dropped, then shook hands with Johnson as fans at Sherwood Country Club bellowed their approval.

Woods' last victory had come at the Australian Masters on November 15, 2009. Later that month, he crashed his car outside his Florida home after the night of the US Thanksgiving holiday in an incident that led to the unveiling of his secret sex life.

Asked if he could characterize his feelings at finally ending his victory drought, Woods just beamed.

"It feels awesome, whatever it is," said Woods, who is projected to rise from his current 52nd in the world rankings to 21st.

Woods' final-round 69 gave him a 10-under total of 278, while Johnson, who led Woods by one after three rounds, carded a one-under 71 for 279.