Gary Evans received a hug and a kiss from his biggest fan yesterday.

Evans captured the hearts of the nation when he came so close to Open glory at Muirfield.

During his final astonishing round of 65 he hit a long range putt on the 17th and turned to the TV camera and roared: "That's for you mum."

Back home in Worthing, mum Betty burst into tears.

But emotions were kept in check as they met for the first time since his heroics.

He said: "We both behaved ourselves! There were no tears. She told me well done and I thanked her for all the support she's given me. Mum has always believed in me."

The Open is likely to become more well known for the display of qualifier Evans than the way Ernie Els won his first Claret Jug.

Evans said: "I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone at my old golf club (Worthing) and the local people in Sussex for all the support they have given me. They have been fantastic.

"Without their support I wouldn't have been where I was at the Open.

"I've been through some dark times but all my supporters have got me through."

His mother said: "I'm so proud of my son."