THOUSAND OAKS, California (AFP) — Tiger Woods won the Chevron World Challenge yesterday. It was his one-shot triumph in the unofficial 18-man event and his first victory since 2009 when a 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.

Yesterday, 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 birdie putt at the final hole dropped, then shook hands with Johnson as fans at Sherwood Country Club bellowed their approval.

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.