Gary Evans touched the heart of a nation when he focused on an adjacent television camera and declared: "That was for you mum."

Evans had just scored a 50ft putt at the 17th hole to put his outrageous dream of winning the Open back on track at Muirfield.

Although he ended fifth despite finishing his final round on top of the leaderboard, his heartfelt message to 68-year-old Betty back home in Worthing left an enduring image.

The dam burst on emotions he had kept in check during four days that have changed a life touched by tragedy, injury and laughter.

"I knew that mum would be watching and climbing up the wall with anticipation and, when the putt went in and I dedicated to her, it was just pure emotion. It just came out.

"It was such a personal moment to me. My mum has been such a supporter for me. She's always believed in me and she's suffered such a lot, particularly when my dad died of cancer nine years ago.

"When that putt went in I wanted to tell her what all she has gone through for me meant to me. It was payback time.

"We're very close. My life is so busy that I'm always buzzing from A to B. It's not an easy life for a family man. But I always find time to phone her once or twice a week to see how she is. We've got a good relationship."

Qualifier Evans knew his mother's home would be packed with relatives. It was, with aunt Frances, uncle Patrick, his wife Clare and their daughter Nadine plus cousin Ann Molloy When I informed him that one member had been out in the garden praying during that final round, he knew who it was.

"Oh, that would have been Frances. I'm sure they would have all been in pieces but I hope I gave them a lot of fun."

The memory of his late father George also spurred him at Muirfield.

"He was my shining light. We were great mates. We used to have great times and had a good understanding. He'd have been over the moon about what I did."

The moment of emotional release at the 17th left the 33-year-old under intense pressure.

"It was pretty scary. Everything went mad. I had felt comfortable up until then. But the adrenalin began to pump. I felt as if there was a bolt of electricity going through my fingers. It was such a roller coaster. Trying to keep myself together was difficult.

"You try drawing a straight line into a hole with a £1m riding on it, 30 million watching on television and in front of a 25,000 crowd. It's so hard but to be in that position is what you play golf for.

"People might say I choked, but I don't think I did. I don't have any regrets. How could I? If you'd have told me I'd be fifth in the Open I'd have snapped your hand off."

Betty said: "The tears began to come down from my eyes as I saw him talk into the camera.

"We spoke about it later that evening and he did it because he felt that I might of got the impression that he didn't think of me very much.

"He told me, 'I think of you all the time'. We are very close, of course I was so proud of him."

Rustington-born Evans came back from a career-threatening wrist injury to make his name at Muirfield.

"I did think of quitting because of the injuries. And I'm thankful for all the support I got from people like John Vinicombe at The Argus. That helped me and now its nice that I'm through it all. I've come a long way since then. Those wrist problems are firmly in the past. I'm feeling fine."

He remains a realist but the success he did enjoy has given him belief that he can one day hold up the Claret Jug.

"It's left me with great memories and my sponsors are happy, but one day I might come back and do it properly. I now know I've got it in me.

"I don't have any problems with the big names, like Tiger Woods, I've been around them long enough. They are all human, like me.

"It might take ten years but I'll keep going. At least I'll be exempt next year."

For now he wants to concentrate on winning his first professional tournaments after 275 tries. That starts with the Dutch Open beginning tomorrow.

"What I did at Muirfield will be completely forgotten."

But what will not be forgotten is the turbo-charged confidence boost it has given the former Worthing club champion. Nor the moment he showed his mum how much he loved her.