Curtis flies home to hero's welcome

Clutching the claret jug, Ben Curtis, the new and most improbable Open champion - and the first player to win a major at the first attempt since 1913 - returned home last night to tears, applause and shirts and signs proclaiming him 'Big Ben'.

Curtis was surrounded by cameras as he and his fiancee Candace met friends and family at Cleveland's Hopkins International Airport.

About 25 people were waiting for his return from London.

"This is awesome," said Curtis, who appeared overwhelmed by the welcome.

On Sunday, the 26-year-old became the first player in 90 years to win a major golf championship on his first try.

With Candace by his side, he said he realised his life won't be the same. On the flight home, Curtis upgraded to first class and was constantly asked for autographs.

But when asked how money would change him, Curtis promised to stay the same. "It's not going to change me, I'll be cheap as always," he said.

"I'm very proud," said Doug Joseph, Curtis's high school golf coach. "It couldn't have happened to a better kid."