A stroke behind fellow American Zach Johnson overnight, Woods fired a three-under-par 69 at Sherwood Country Club in California to claim the 95th tournament win of his career -- but his first since the 2009 Australian Masters.
Woods, whose world ranking plummeted from No 1 to 52nd while he struggled for fitness and form over the last two years with his private life in tatters, came from one down with two holes to play to post a 10-under total of 278.
He drained a 15-footer at the par-three 17th before coolly knocking in a six-footer on the 18th green and then celebrating with a roundhouse sweep through the air with his right arm.
"It feels great," a jubilant Woods said greenside after his spectacular birdie-birdie finish ended a run of 26 tournaments around the world without victory.
"It was a lot of fun coming down the stretch. Zach put a lot of pressure on me. He turned the tide (on 16), next thing I am one down playing the last couple of holes. Then I made two good putts."
Asked to describe his feelings after ending his lengthy title drought, 14-times major champion Woods replied: "It feels awesome, whatever that is."
Johnson, seeking his first victory since last year's Colonial Invitational, had to settle for second place after closing with a 71.
