Yang savours 'great day'

Yang, 37, becomes the first Asian-born player to win a major and he denied the world number one a 15th such victory, the American having previously enjoyed a perfect record in turning 14 third-round major leads into wins.

"You never know in life," Yang said through an interpreter following his remarkable victory. "This might be my last win as a golfer, but it sure is a great day."

World number 110 Yang, with just one prior win in the United States to his name, landed his second in style, first overturning Woods' two-shot lead and then eagling the par-four 14th hole to move in front before holding his nerve down the stretch to seal victory at seven under par with a two-under round of 70.

Woods came up short by three shots, taking a 75 for second place, with Lee Westwood of England and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy tied for third place at three under.

"It's going to be a big foundation for me to continue playing at the top level, which is the PGA Tour, and golf in America," added Yang. "And it just means the world right now. It hasn't really sunk in, but I do know the significance of it."

The catalyst for Yang's victory came when he sent down a brilliant bunker shot for eagle at the par-four 14th as Woods birdied to take a one-shot lead with four to play. There was still time for drama as Woods bogeyed the par-three 17th only for Yang to miss his par putt and the Korean went to the 72nd hole still with a one-shot lead over the world number one.

Yang stayed cool at the 18th and sent in a remarkable hybrid shot from the left fairway fringe under a tree that just missed the hole, the Korean allowing himself a fist pump. From the other side but on the fairway, Woods' five iron found left greenside rough.

Woods, searching for a fifth PGA title that would tie for the record with Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus, needed yet another miracle shot to rescue on the 18th but his effort ran past the hole and Yang had two putts from 10 feet to become US PGA champion. He needed just one and history was made, Woods bogeying the 18th for his 75.

"I hit the ball so much better than my score indicates," Woods said. "I hit it great all day. I made absolutely nothing. I just have to say terrible day on the greens and I had it at the wrong time."