Tiger Woods Wins Hero World Challenge: His First Title in 5 Years

Nov. 30, 2023, 8:30 p.m. Sports

It has been five years since Tiger Woods last won a golf tournament. But on Sunday, Woods finally regained his winning ways, capturing the Hero World Challenge title in the Bahamas.

With the victory, Woods showed that he can still compete with the best in the world, despite his lengthy absence from the winner's circle. And while Woods still has a ways to go before he catches up to Jack Nicklaus' record 18 majors, Sunday's win was a significant step in the right direction.

Woods entered the final round of the Hero World Challenge trailing Charley Hoffman by three strokes. But Woods put together a strong round of 65, which included four birdies, to finish at 18-under-par for the tournament. Hoffman, meanwhile, struggled to a 74, allowing Woods to cruise to the victory.

It was a much-needed win for Woods, who has been plagued by injuries and personal problems over the past five years. Woods has undergone four back surgeries since 2014, and he was arrested for driving under the influence in 2017.

But Woods has worked hard to get himself back into shape, and his game appears to be rounding into form. Sunday's win should give Woods a boost of confidence as he heads into the 2018 season.

The Hero World Challenge was Woods' first tournament since he tied for ninth at the PGA Championship in August. And while Woods didn't win any of the four majors this year, he did show flashes of his old self, finishing in the top 10 at both the Masters and the Open Championship.

With Sunday's win, Woods has now won 79 PGA Tour events, which is second all-time behind only Sam Snead. Woods will look to add to his total in 2018, starting with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January.