(CNN) Tiger Woods clinched his fifth Masters and 15th major title to seal one of the greatest comeback stories in sport after overcoming career-threatening back problems.

The 43-year-old muscled his way through a tightly packed leaderboard to win by one shot at Augusta for his first major title in 11 years and first Masters win since 2005.

It completes a fairytale return for the most dominant player of his generation -- and arguably the best ever -- after enduring "dark times" through injury since 2014.

Woods underwent career-saving spine fusion surgery in 2017 and sealed an impressive comeback season last year with his first win for five years.

Sunday's thrilling victory to complete a remarkable redemption puts the former world No.1 just three majors behind the all-time record of Jack Nicklaus.

Only fellow American Nicklaus has won more Masters, with six. Woods also joins Nicklaus as the only player to have won the Masters in three different decades after he clinched his first as a 21-year-old in 1997.

"It's overwhelming just because of what has transpired," Woods said in the Green Jacket ceremony in the Butler Cabin.

"Last year I was very lucky to be playing again. At the previous Champions Dinner I was really struggling and missed a couple of years of not playing this great tournament and now I'm the champion. Twenty two years between wins, it's a long time and it's unreal for me to experience this. My mom was here, she was there in 1997 as well. I'm just so happy and excited and I'm at a loss for words."

Tiger Woods sparked scenes of thunderous celebration on the 18th green.

'Epic Sunday'

Woods began the day two shots behind Italy's Francesco Molinari, and rode the roller coaster of a gripping final round to first share the lead after the Italian found the water in front of the short 12th.

Two holes later five players were tied at the top, but Woods' birdie on the long 15th took him clear on his own. Another birdie on the short 16th ignited thunderous roars which reverberated around the towering pines as Woods marched off with a two-shot lead and a thousand-yard stare in scenes reminiscent of his heyday.

A moment between a father and a son.#themasters pic.twitter.com/Ft0ta2mD5o — Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 14, 2019

Sporting a red mock turtleneck in a nod to his last win at Augusta in 2005, and chewing gum throughout, Woods maintained his focus to edge world No.2 Dustin Johnson, three-time major champion Brooks Koepka and another American Xander Schauffele.

When the winning putt dropped, Woods clenched his fist and punched the air to tumultuous applause, before walking off the 18th to embrace his mother Kultida, children Sam and Charlie, girlfriend Erica Herman and members of his team. Woods' father and mentor Earl died in May 2006.

"To have my kids there, it's come full circle," Woods added. "My dad was there in 1997 and now I'm the dad with two kids there."

The celebrations lasted an eternity as the patrons chanted "Tiger, Tiger" around the 18th green before a beaming Woods whooped and high-fived his way to the scorer's hut.

Woods' bogey at the last gave him a round of 70 for his first major title when trailing going into the final day.

"It's been an epic Sunday here at the Masters and a great day for golf, just one of the most amazing days in our history," said Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley.

Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Day four – Tiger Woods punched the air to tumultuous applause and chants of "Tiger, Tiger" as he sealed his 15th major title. Hide Caption 1 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Woods was bidding for a fifth Green Jacket, 14 years after his last. Hide Caption 2 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Alongside Woods chasing leader Francesco Molinari were Justin Harding (left) of South Africa and American Xander Schauffele. Hide Caption 3 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Former US PGA champion Jason Day of Australia was also in contention. Hide Caption 4 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Day three – Italy's British Open champion Molinari was the leader after three rounds at Augusta. Hide Caption 5 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Woods was two shots back and within touching distance of a fifth Green Jacket and 15th major title. Hide Caption 6 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament American Tony Finau sat alongside Woods. Finau dislocated his ankle in the par-3 contest ahead of his debut in last year's Masters. Hide Caption 7 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Masters patrons were treated to an electric day of golf at Augusta Saturday. Hide Caption 8 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Saturday is known as Moving Day and if you weren't going forwards you were going backwards. Hide Caption 9 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament England's Ian Poulter played alongside Woods and said afterwards it had been "fun." Hide Caption 10 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Hospitality at Augusta is famous for offering affordable food and beverage options. Hide Caption 11 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Finau was the first player in the field to reach 10 under par after a dazzling start Saturday. Hide Caption 12 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Phil Mickelson is bidding for a fourth Green Jacket and sixth major title at the age of 48. Hide Caption 13 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Rickie Fowler is arguably the "best player never to have win a major." Hide Caption 14 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Molinari made his first visit to Augusta as caddie for his older brother Edoardo in 2006. Hide Caption 15 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Day two – Veteran Mickelson was playing his 100th round at the Masters Friday. Hide Caption 16 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Play was suspended for a while because of the threat of thunderstorms in the Augusta area. Hide Caption 17 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Italy's Francesco Molinari, the British Open champion, set the early pace and pushed the lead to seven under. Hide Caption 18 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Left-hander Mickelson could become the oldest Masters champion -- he is only three shots off the lead. Hide Caption 19 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament First round co-leader Brooks Koepka struggled early on day two but rallied to share a five-way tie for the lead at seven under. Hide Caption 20 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament The weather warning came just as Tiger Woods was beginning his move up the leaderboard. Hide Caption 21 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 champion, pushed the lead to eight under before dropping back into the pack at seven under. Hide Caption 22 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament England's Justin Rose, runner-up two years ago, had a Masters to forget as he missed the cut. Hide Caption 23 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament The other first round co-leader Bryson DeChambeau went backwards Friday. Hide Caption 24 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Woods hit a stunning tee shot to 12 before the siren went to suspend play because of thunderstorms. Hide Caption 25 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament England's Ian Poulter kept up his challenge for a maiden major title with another good round at Augusta. Hide Caption 26 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament World No.2 Dustin Johnson was in a group on six under alongside Woods at the halfway stage. Hide Caption 27 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Day one – Tiger Woods is chasing a fifth Masters title and first since 2005 at Augusta. Hide Caption 28 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament The 43-year-old won the last of his 14 majors in 2008 and is on the comeback from long-term back injury. Hide Caption 29 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Following spine fusion surgery in 2017, Woods crowned a remarkable season last year with victory in the Tour Championship, his first for five years. Hide Caption 30 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Pre-tournament favorite Rory McIlroy needs the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam of all four major titles. Hide Caption 31 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament However, the 29-year-old Northern Irishman got off to a poor start on day one at Augusta. Hide Caption 32 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player got the 83rd Masters under way as ceremonial starters Thursday. Hide Caption 33 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Rickie Fowler, runner-up in 2018, is still chasing a first major title. Hide Caption 34 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament America's Fowler finished behind countryman Patrick Reed last year. Hide Caption 35 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament World No.2 Dustin Johnson finished strongly to end four under par, two off the lead. Hide Caption 36 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Former champion Jordan Spieth had a day to forget and ended three over. Hide Caption 37 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Left-hander Bubba Watson is a two-time Masters champion. Hide Caption 38 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Veteran Phil Mickelson, 48, is chasing a fourth Green Jacket. Hide Caption 39 of 40 Photos: The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament Brooks Koepka pushed the lead to six under before being joined by Bryson DeChambeau. Hide Caption 40 of 40

Downward spiral

Woods changed golf forever when he clinched his first Masters by a record 12 shots in 1997. Because of him, players became fitter, prize money increased and interest in the game jumped significantly. He's been golf's heart, soul and chief needle mover ever since.

JUST WATCHED Tiger Woods speaks to CNN after 1997 Masters win Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Tiger Woods speaks to CNN after 1997 Masters win 01:20

Woods may not have been to everyone's liking over the years, perhaps from a combination of his unerring success in his early 2000s pomp, his single-minded pursuit of excellence, a frosty persona and later personal choices.

But life's issues appear to have mellowed him of late and the remarkable reception he received at Augusta suggested the narrative of his back story gave the sporting achievement more resonance.

A raft of celebrities took to social media to congratulate Woods.

NBA star Steph Curry called it "the greatest comeback story in sports," while tennis legend Serena Williams said she "was in tears" and said it was "greatness like no other."

Nicklaus tweeted his praise, while even former US President Barack Obama joined in.

Greatest comeback story in sports! Congrats @TigerWoods Let me hold one of those 5 jackets one time! — Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 14, 2019

I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is Greatness like no other. Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy. — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) April 14, 2019

A big "well done" from me to @TigerWoods! I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!! 👏🏼@TheMasters — Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) April 14, 2019

Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination. — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 14, 2019

In the build-up to the Masters Woods said he couldn't have foreseen being stranded on 14 majors when he won his last, the US Open, in 2008. He was later diagnosed with a fractured leg and took the rest of the season off but from then on nothing was the same.

At the 2009 US PGA he led going into the final round but failed to seal the win for the first time in his major career, losing to South Korea's YE Yang.

Later that year, news of his extra marital affairs broke, ending in divorce, and Woods' golf and life took a downward spiral.

Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Tiger Woods clinched his fifth Masters and 15th major title with victory at Augusta in April. Hide Caption 1 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows The former world No. 1 had not won the Masters since 2005, and it was his first major win since 2008. Hide Caption 2 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows A month after winning the Masters, Woods received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Donald Trump. Hide Caption 3 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods won the season-ending Tour Championship in September 2018. It was his first title in five years following a succession of back injuries. Hide Caption 4 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Signs that Woods was back to his best were obvious at August's PGA Championship, where he finished runner-up to Brooks Koepka. It followed an impressive showing at July's British Open, where he briefly topped the leaderboard. Hide Caption 5 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods made an impressive return to competitive golf in 2018 after multiple back surgeries in recent years. He played his first Masters in three years in April 2018. Hide Caption 6 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows The four-time champion had back fusion surgery -- his fourth procedure -- in April 2017 and returned to the game pain-free in December. He finished tied 32nd at Augusta. Hide Caption 7 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods was touted as one of the favorites after impressing in his early-season events. He also set tongues wagging by playing a practice round with old rival Phil Mickelson, right. Hide Caption 8 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods finished tied second at the Valspar Championship in March 2018 and followed it up with a tie for fifth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The hype needle moved into overdrive. Hide Caption 9 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods set out on his legendary path by becoming the youngest winner of the Masters -- at 21 -- with a record 12-shot win in 1997. Hide Caption 10 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows One of his most remarkable feats was winning his first US Open by an unprecedented 15 shots at Pebble Beach, California, in 2000, sparking a streak never seen before or since. Hide Caption 11 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods' victory in the 2001 Masters meant he held all four of golf's major titles at the same time, dubbed the "Tiger Slam." Hide Caption 12 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods' win rate, his dedication to fitness training and his desire to succeed were changing golf. Prize money rocketed because of Woods. Off the course, he married girlfriend Elin Nordegren in 2004. Hide Caption 13 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods showed rare emotion when he broke down in tears on the shoulder of caddie Steve Williams following his win in the 2006 British Open at Hoylake, months after his father and mentor Earl passed away. Hide Caption 14 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Despite being visibly hampered and in pain from a knee injury, Woods won the US Open in breathtaking fashion at Torrey Pines, California, in 2008. It was his 14th major title to leave him only four behind the record of Jack Nicklaus. He was later diagnosed with knee ligament damage and two fractures of his left tibia. He missed the rest of the season after surgery. It is still his last major title. Hide Caption 15 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows In December 2009, Woods crashed his car into a fire hydrant outside his home. As the big picture emerged it was discovered Woods had been conducting a series of extra martial affairs. He took three months away from the game to sort out his private life. Hide Caption 16 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows In February 2010 Woods addressed the world's media to explain and apologise for his actions. His infidelity led to divorce and was the beginning of a downhill slide in Woods' playing career. By October he lost the world No. 1 ranking, a position he had held for 281 consecutive weeks Hide Caption 17 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Back in the fold, Woods earned his first win in two years at the Chevron World Challenge in December 2011, a charity tournament he hosts that does not count on the PGA Tour money list. Hide Caption 18 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods was back in the winner's circle in 2013, lifting five titles, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational, to get back to the top of the rankings. Hide Caption 19 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows In March 2013, Woods and Lindsey Vonn announced they were dating on Facebook. In January that year, the champion skier had finalized her divorce from Thomas Vonn, after initializing proceedings in 2011. In May 2015, Woods and Vonn announced their breakup, with the golfer claiming he "hadn't slept" in the days following. Hide Caption 20 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Later in 2013 there were signs all was not well as Woods was seen to be in pain as he picked the ball out of the hole at the Barclays tournament in August. He missed the Masters the following April for the first time since 1994 to undergo back surgery. Hide Caption 21 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods pulled out of the Farmers Insurance Open in February 2015, and struggled with injury and form for the rest of the season. Hide Caption 22 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods cut a dejected figure at that year's US Open as he struggled with his game and carded rounds of 80 and 76 to miss the cut. Hide Caption 23 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows In August 2015 Woods made his last appearance for 15 months to undergo follow-up back surgeries. At one stage during his rehabilitation, Woods spoke of there being "no light at the end of the tunnel" -- and with one eye on his fading career, he suggested "everything beyond this will be gravy." Hide Caption 24 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods made a much-anticipated return to golf in December 2016, showing signs of promise with the highest number of birdies in the field -- 24 -- but he also made a number of costly errors to finish third from last in the 18-man event. Hide Caption 25 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows He missed the cut in his first event of 2017 in the US and pulled out after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic in February, citing back spasms. He underwent a fourth back prodecure in April. Hide Caption 26 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows The golf legend was arrested Monday, May 29, on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was booked into a local jail in Florida and released a few hours later. He said in a statement he had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications." Hide Caption 27 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows In August Woods entered a first-offender program and pleaded guilty to reckless driving on October 28. He will avoid jail unless he commits major violations of his probation. Hide Caption 28 of 29 Photos: Tiger Woods: From highs to lows Woods returned to golf after 301 days at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on November 30 2017. He carded a three-under first-round 69 and appeared pain-free and hungry to resume his career. Hide Caption 29 of 29

Greatest ever?

Woods fought his way back to world No.1 in 2013 but the back issues surfaced the following year.

Many wrote off his career as the injuries took their toll on his form, world ranking -- he plunged to outside the top 1,000 -- and quality of life.

He admits he struggled with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, driving and taking his kids to school, and is widely reported to have confided at the pre-Masters Champions Dinner a couple of years ago: "I'm done."

JUST WATCHED Tiger or Phil? Who will win the next major? Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Tiger or Phil? Who will win the next major? 03:55

But after seeing a specialist in England, Woods underwent fusion surgery, his fourth back procedure, in the US. However, if things looked bleak from a playing point of view, Woods looked to have hit rock bottom when he was arrested on a driving under the influence charge in May 2017.

Found asleep at the wheel of his car at the side of a road in Palm Beach, Florida, pictures and dashcam video of a confused and disoriented Woods were flashed around the world.

He was later found to have five different drugs in his system, but Woods blamed the incident on the prescription painkillers he was taking for his back injuries. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and was put on a diversion program, but from that nadir, Woods' trajectory has reached sky high.

On doctor's advice he made a tentative return to hitting golf balls at home in late August 2017, and returned to the circuit in 2018 with remarkable success,. He briefly led the Open at Carnoustie before finishing second to Koepka in the US PGA and winning the Tour Championship for his 80th PGA Tour title, just two behind the record of Sam Snead.

And now this.

"This will be up there with one of the hardest I've had to win because of what transpired over the last couple of years," he added.

"it was just an amazing buzz out there, trying to figure out what was going on but to stay present and focused on what i was trying to do. I kind of liked it."

Greatest ever already? Maybe.