Tiger Woods is a major champion once again.
The American has won the US Masters at Augusta to claim his 15th major, ending an 11-year drought on Monday (NZ time).
His last golfing major came at the 2008 US Open, 3954 days ago.
Woods bogeyed the last but posted a two-under-par 70 to finish the tournament 13-under-par, with American trio Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and Brooks Keopka tied second, one shot behind.
The 43-year-old started the final round two shots behind leader Francesco Molinari, marking the first time Woods overcame a third-round deficit to win a major.
"I couldn't be more excited," Woods said.
"I'm at a loss for words."
Overnight leader, Molinari's hopes, sunk with two double bogeys on the back nine and he had to settle for a share of fifth on 11 under.
Molinari's errors put Woods in control as back-to-back birdies on the par-five 15, and par-three 16th gave the former world number one a two-shot lead with two holes remaining.
He held his nerve to complete a remarkable comeback.
Woods immediately hugged his caddie, before running to his mother and his daughter, Sam, and son, Charlie, who were waiting in the wings off the 18th green.
Sam was 12 months old when Woods won his last major, at the 2008 US Open, while Charlie was born a year later after his Torrey Pines triumph.
"To have my kids there, it's come full circle; my dad was here [when I won] in 1997, and now I'm the dad with two kids here.
"It's overwhelming because what has transpired ... I'm at a loss for words really."
Earning his first major title in 11 years, Woods has moved to within three of Jack Nicklaus' all-time record 18 victories, and one behind Sam Snead's record 82 US PGA Tour wins.
Nicklaus took to Twitter to congratulate Woods.
"A big 'well done' from me to Tiger," Nicklaus tweeted. "I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!!"
Five of Woods' 15 majors have come at Augusta National.
"It will be up there with one of the hardest with all I've had to win because of what transpired in the last couple of years," Woods added.
"I'm a little hoarse from yelling. I was just trying to plod my way around all day. All of a sudden I had the lead.
"Coming up 18, it was just trying to make a five. When I tapped in I don't know what I did, I know I screamed.
Monday's victory also made Woods the second oldest Masters winner in history - Nicklaus was 46 when he won in 1986.
The win will also see Woods move to sixth in the world rankings - less than two years after he was ranked 1,199 and contemplated retiring from golf due to ongoing back injuries.
Newshub.
