Tiger Woods became the first man to retain the British Open title for 23 years on Sunday when he produced a clinical five-under par final round of 67 to win by two shots and secure his 11th career major.

Having triumphed at St Andrews last year, Woods matched compatriot Tom Watson's feat of back-to-back titles in 1982 and 1983.

It was Woods' 11th win in a major championship, equal second on the all-time list alongside the legendary Walter Hagen, who reached that mark after winning the 1929 British Open.

Only Jack Nicklaus's mark of 18 wins in majors lies ahead of him.

Woods began the day one stroke clear and once he eagled the fifth he never looked in danger of ending his streak of winning all 10 previous majors he had led after three rounds.

Fellow American Chris DiMarco, who briefly got within a shot after 13 holes, finished second on 16-under after a 68 while Ernie Els was third on 13-under after a 71.

Adam Scott was the best-placed Australian, finishing tied for eighth nine shots off the pace, his best result to date in a major tournament.

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