'It was the most iconic moment of my career. That celebration has become my logo. I even had it tatooed on my arm. It was the happiest I have ever been on a golf course. I had just won the best tournament in the world. To do it at St Andrews, the Home of Golf, was even more special. When I arrived there, when I played it for the first time, I didn't like it. I thought it was ugly. Then when you have played it several times you appreciate all the bunkers are in play and an important part of the golf course. It is the greatest place in the world to play golf. It is a masterpiece...
[The victory] was very emotional. Tom Watson was just behind me and my caddie told me that with a birdie at the last we would win. I said, 'come on, let's do it.' I hit a pitching wedge into a little breeze and holed the putt. I still believe I made the ball drop because of my energy. I was so excited that I grabbed the caddie by his neck and I was so caught up in the moment that I took the flag stick and walked off the green. One of the marshals came up and said, 'now you have to put it back for Tom Watson.' But I was so excited. I knew I was the champion. To win The Open at St Andrews is incredible. To do it and beat the best player in the world, who was trying to win for the all-time record. Wow.'
(Golf World, March 2006)