SUPERMUM

Champ Matt hails his mother after she helped him to glory with gammy knee

- JIM BLACK

MATT FITZPATRICK delivered a historic Alfred Dunhill Links double at the Old Course but declared his mum is the one up there with Tiger.

The Ryder Cup star made it through golf's version of Armageddon to claim the individual title by three shots.

And the Englishman could also celebrate team event success at the £4million tournament with mother Susan, the first family double since its inception in 2001.

After two days of torrid weather and a 63-hour rain delay, Fitzpatrick closed out an event shortened to 54 holes with a six-under 66 at St Andrews.

But it was his mum who had to play through the pain barrier to live her dream at the Home of Golf.

Tiger Woods' third US Open title remains iconic 15 years on after he hobbled his way to a play-off victory.

And Fitzpatrick said: "There's only one other person I know who's won a big tournament on one leg and that's Tiger Woods.

"Tiger's leg was obviously broken but my mum's not got any cartilage in her knee, so she was amazing.

"I know she was in serious pain, so to win is even more impressive. She is the one who is most chuffed at the moment, for sure.

"She always laughs and jokes, saying, 'We are going to win the Dunhill' and we did. I am so pleased for her.