Woods sank a 5m birdie putt at the final hole to beat fellow American Sean O'Hair at Bay Hill, Orlando.

''It feels great to be in contention again, to feel the heat on the back nine, and the big bonus is to win,'' Woods said. ''This win certainly validates all the things I've been trying to do. As I look back at my three tournaments I've played this year, I've gotten better at each one and that was the whole idea, to keep progressing to Augusta.''

Woods missed eight months while recovering from major left knee surgery, but it was as though he had never been away as he came from five shots behind O'Hair in the final round, matching his largest final-round comeback on the US Tour.

Tied going to the last after Woods had bogeyed the par-three 17th, where his tee shot plugged in the front bunker, Woods poured in his winning putt in fading light for his sixth victory at Bay Hill.

He shot 67 to finish at five-under-par 275, with O'Hair (73) on 276.

Woods collected $US1.08million ($A1.58million) for his 66th victory on the American Tour. More importantly, he installed himself as hot favourite for next week's Masters.

''I'd like to hit the ball like I did at Doral [two weeks ago] and putt like I did this week,'' Woods said.

It was also a good week for Australian John Senden, who emerged from the doldrums to tie for fourth, four shots off the pace.

''Today was a stepping-stone to a nice year,'' Senden said.

''Last year I wasn't feeling 100per cent with my health and this year hasn't been so good. This is a good boost.''

Robert Allenby, wearing a pink shirt in memory of his late mother, tied for 11th, while Mathew Goggin was equal 30th, earning him a Masters invitation for finishing in the top 50 in the world rankings.

''My goal at the start of the year was to play all four majors and get into the top 50 in the world. To do that at the first cut-off is nice,'' Goggin said. ''I'm looking forward to getting [to Augusta]. You grow up watching [Greg] Norman and the lure of the Masters is special, the history there and no Australian player has won it.

''All the Australian players want to be the first one. It's bizarre [it could be me], considering who's gone before you.'' AAP

2009 MASTERS TOURNAMENT

The 73rd Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia from April 9-12.