Hodges converted a five-shot third-round lead into a commanding seven-stroke triumph with a closing four-under-par 67 on Sunday.
With a 24-under 260 total, the 28-year-old never looked like being run down, with Scotland's Martin Laird (64) sharing second at 17 under with Americans JJ Poston (69) and Kevin Streelman (66).
Dylan Wu (64) and Keith Mitchell (67) shared fifth, one shot ahead of Baddeley, Sam Ryder (68) and defending champion Tony Finau (70).
Baddeley's joint-seventh finish earned him an all-important start at this week's Wyndham Championship in North Carolina and significantly increased his chances of sneaking into next month's lucrative FedEx Cup playoffs.
The 42-year-old father of six pocketed a cheque for $US245,050 ($A368,550) and admitted making the playoffs would be somewhat of a game changer at this point in his career.
"Especially playing out of the category that I'm in, the past champions category, to push my way in there and try and get that top-70 would be pretty awesome," Baddeley said.
"Just so I can sort of pick my schedule. It would be a little bit easier on the family, a little easier on my wife."
Fellow Australian Cam Davis rocketed home with a 65 to finish a shot behind Baddeley in a tie for 10th at 14 under.
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