Woods 'greatest win' looks likely to cost him a shot at The Open

When it was over, the 32 year old American immediately cast doubt on his participation at The Open at Royal Birkdale next month.

Indeed, sources in the U.S. were suggesting today that Woods may face further surgery that could put in doubt his participation in September's Ryder Cup.

Marathon man: Tiger Woods holds up the championship trophy

Battling a gammy knee, Woods admitted that he may have to skip the next major. "I have pushed it too hard this week, and I am going to have to shut it down for a while," he said.

Woods refused to be more specific. But, given this was his first tournament for nine weeks, and The Open starts in less than half that, he is clearly facing a race against time.

Regarding the tumultuous week that culminated in his third U.S Open title and 14th major in all, Woods said: "All things considered this has to rank as the best. The only one that comes close was the first but I think this was better. What a week.

All smiles: Rocco Mediate. left, jokes with Tiger Woods

"There have been lots of doubts, lots of questions, and I don't quite know how I am sitting here the winner, to be honest. If it hadn't been for the incredible atmosphere created by all the fans who came out to watch us, I don't think I would have made it through."

Woods rightly paid a warm tribute to Mediate, who pushed him all the way. "He played unbelievably well and put pressure on me all day. What a competitor he is, when you think of all the back problems he has had and he is still out here playing this well at the age of 45."

Mediate, whose winning personality captivated the fans, said: "I scared him this week, didn't I? I really thought I had him on a few occasions but as ever the crazy guy does something to pull through. What a week it was. It has been the highlight of my professional career by so far I couldn't even tell you what would be second."

Feeling the strain: Tiger Woods drops to his knees after missing a birdie putt on a sudden death hole