Tiger Woods completed an epic “full circle” comeback from career-threatening injury and scandal by winning the 83rd Masters on Sunday, capturing his 15th major title with an unprecedented back-nine rally.
Ending an 11-year major drought, the 43-year-old American superstar — who underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2017 due to chronic back pain — seized his first major title since the 2008 US Open.
“It’s overwhelming just because of what has transpired,” Woods said. “I could barely walk. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t walk. Couldn’t do anything.
“To have the opportunity to come back, it’s one of the biggest wins I’ve ever had for sure.”
The 43 year-old American is now three titles away from Jack Nicklaus, who holds a record 18 major titles.
To win with one stroke, Woods seized the top of the leaderboard at Augusta National Golf Club from Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who was overnight leader on Saturday.
Molinari, the reigning British Open champion had seized the 54-hole lead on 13-under par 203 with Woods and Finau two strokes behind.
Brooks Koepka, last year’s US Open and PGA Championship winner, began three adrift with fellow American Webb Simpson, the 2012 US Open, and England’s Ian Poulter four off the pace.
But as he did in the past, Woods held his nerve as the blustery field blew the other players away. Despite making a bogey in the last hole, Woods ended up with 2 under.
Molinari, along with Finau, Webb Simpson and Jason Day ended up with 11 under and tied for the fifth position.
Xander Schauffele, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka tied for second, all with 12 under.
Woods victory, his fifth masters and the first since 2005, marked an epic return from injuries that once threatened his career.
The Masters, which has not had a Monday conclusion since 1983, decided to cancel its green jacket ceremony at the 18th green in order to hurry spectators to the exits faster.