tearful tiger toasts third open

By PA Sport staff

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An emotional Tiger Woods broke down in tears at Hoylake after claiming his third Open title.

The two-shot victory was Woods' first since the death of his father, Earl, in May and the world number one cried as he embraced caddie Steve Williams on the 18th green.

"Steve said on the fairway, 'This one's for Dad,"' explained Woods, 30, who claimed his 11th major title.

"I still had some golf to play but once I finished the hole all these emotions just came pouring out.

"I guess they have been locked up and they came pouring out. I miss my dad so much and I wish he could have been here to witness this. It would have brought a smile to his face."

Woods, who became the first player since Tom Watson in 1983 to successfully defend the Open title, added in his victory speech: "Walking down the last hole I had a chance to enjoy this one a little bit.

"After my last putt I realised that my Dad's never going to see this again. I wish he could have seen this one last time.

"I tried at Augusta (in the US Masters in April) and it didn't happen but he was out there today keeping me calm. I had a very calm feeling all week and especially today.

"Certainly I was thinking about hopefully one day having a chance to say that I love my Dad and I miss him very much."