As good as it gets

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IN THE week the golf world said farewell to the legendary Jack Nicklaus, it saluted the man that will one day surpass the Golden Bear's records. Ten majors before 30 years of age. What will Tiger Woods do next?

World No 1 Woods described it as "a dream come true" when he clinched his 10th major and second Open of his career at St Andrews on Sunday to hoist the Claret jug and a cheque worth ¨720,000.

"This is as good as it gets -- to win the Open Championship at the home of golf is a dream come true," the 29-year- old said.

Woods also felt his victory justified the changes he has made to his game in recent years. Woods endured a run of 10 majors without a win -- and lost his grip on the top spot in the global standings -- following the decision to adjust his swing and split with long-time coach Butch Harmon in 2002.

Many subsequently questioned the wisdom of adjusting a proven technique and breaking up such a fruitful partnership. And some doubted the American would ever get back to the devastating form that helped him amass eight majors by 2001 -- the year after he achieved the 'Tiger Slam'.

But signs of a Woods revival have been there for all to see this year and he duly ended his major drought by lifting the Masters in April - which put him halfway down the road to equalling Jack Nicklaus' record major haul of 18.

Woods' latest triumph sees him overtake Gary Player and Ben Hogan and move into third place on the all-time list of major winners behind Nicklaus and Walter Hagen, who gained 11.

"All the hard hours I've put in with Hank (coach Hank Haney) to get to this point has been a lot of fun.

"People criticised me and Hank for making changes, but this (winning the Open again) is one of the reasons I made these changes -- so that I could be back here again and be at this level again. It's pretty exciting."

Woods also admitted he never expected to hold 10 majors by the age of 29. "When I started on the Tour I didn't think I'd have this many before I was 30 (in December)," he said. "Normally your golden years are in your 30s -- hopefully that will be the case."

He also spoke of his "love" of St Andrews, scene of his 2000 Open triumph. "There are some courses you feel comfortable on. This is one of them. I enjoy the lines -- they fit my eye."

Woods also thanked the St Andrews fans for "being as boisterous and supportive" and revealed he had been motivated to win for his father who is battling cancer.

After capturing the Masters in April Woods broke down because dad Earl had been too sick to attend the event for the first time in his son's career. Woods senior was also too weak to make the trip to St Andrews this week. "My dad's at home watching -- I want to say 'Dad, I love you and thanks so much'."