All eyes were on Woods at Sedgefield Country Club, where the 14-time major champion was in contention yesterday for a first US PGA Tour win since 2013.
The former world number one, coming off a missed cut at the PGA Championship that marked his third straight early exit from a major, needed the victory to make the US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs.
Woods's chances effectively ended with a triple-bogey seven at the par-four 11th hole. That was followed by a bogey at the 12th, and even a storming finish that included four birdies in his last six holes wasn't enough.
While Woods's US season is over, Love is headed to the playoffs after grabbing his first US PGA Tour victory since 2008.
"Incredible" was Love's verdict on the win, achieved with a six-under par final round of 64 that included eagles at both of Sedgefield's two par-fives.
His 17-under total of 263 gave him a one-shot win over Jason Gore, the overnight leader who carded a one-under 69.
South African Charl Schwartzel carded a 66 for 265 where he was joined by England's Paul Casey (67) and American Scott Brown (68).
