By Martyn Ziegler, PA Chief Sports Reporter

David Dixon started the Open with a smile on his face and finished it in tears of laughter - and with the silver medal awarded to the best amateur.

The 24-year-old from Somerset began the final round at Royal Lytham & St Annes a shot ahead of the mighty Tiger Woods.

And even though he shot 74 to be one over par for the tournament, two shots behind the world number one in overall 30th place, Dixon will never forget his first Open.

Not least among his memories will be that of his 26-stone caddie Shaun Harris nearly taking a tumble into a bunker on the 15th.

Dixon said: "He was backing off to read the putt and he nearly fell into the bunker. It was so funny, I had tears in my eyes.

"I couldn't see what I was doing when I hit my putt. He was really embarrassed, it was just great. Everything was just great, we had real fun.

"But Shaun was awesome, one of the best guys I could have on the bag. Nothing was too much trouble and I know he enjoyed it as much as I did."

Dixon will now take his time contemplating his future before deciding whether to take the leap and turn professional.

He added: "Every minute has been awesome. I'm not sure what my plans are yet. I'm going to go home, let it all sink in and take things from there but I'm not sure what I'm going to do."

Dixon began his final round with a birdie, and then played a topsy-turvy round which seemed to be ending on a low note with a double bogey at the 17th.

On the last hole, however, cheered home by the massed spectators, he produced a final birdie to seal an amazing tournament.

"My shot at the last was a bit lucky - it looked headed for the bunker and then it jumped back on line. Maybe it was fate and someone up there was shining down on me."