Tiger Woods claimed the 80th and perhaps most significant PGA Tour title of his career last night as the 42-year-old’s miraculous clamber back from the depths of physical, personal and psychological despair was rewarded with victory in the Tour Championship at East Lake.

Just days before the 14-time major winner returns to the Ryder Cup arena in Paris, Woods ensured he will travel on the tail wind of a first victory since 2013 as he eased over the finishing line in Atlanta.

Amid scenes of pandemonium which merely underlined his unwavering lure, Woods, who led by three overnight, signed off with a one-over 71 for an 11-under 269 and won by two strokes from the fast-finishing Billy Horschel. Rory McIlroy, paired with Woods for the final round, slithered out of the running with a 74.

"At the beginning of the year that [winning] was a tall order, but as the year progressed and I proved that I could play and I found a swing I knew I could do it again," said a jubilant Woods.

Justin Rose’s share of fourth, meanwhile, ensured the Englishman won the FedEx Cup.