London, July 18 : Golfer Darren Clarke has revealed that words of encouragement through text messages from Tiger Woods helped him to secure his first Open Championship win at Sandwich.

With the Open Championship win, Clarke has joined compatriots Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell in bagging a major title within a year, The Guardian reports.

"I had a couple of really good messages from Tiger. He was giving me a couple of bits of advice, which was brilliant," Clarke was quoted, as saying by the paper.

The former world number one Woods also wrote on the Twitter that he was `very happy' with `a well deserved win' by Clarke.

Woods missed the Kent tournament because of an injury, but Clarke admitted that he was in touch with the 14-time major winner during the run in for his historic victory

"I got a text from Rory, sort of reiterating what I had sent to him before he went out and won the US Open at Congressional," Clarke said.

The 42-year-old Ulsterman went into the final round at Royal St George's with a one-shot lead over playing partner Dustin Johnson and five shots on Phil Mickelson, but that gap was quickly wiped out as Mickelson fired three birdies and an eagle.

Clarke's first major win will see him pick up a 900,000 pound winner's cheque and two million bonus, as part of a contract negotiated with Mike Ashley, which is part of a deal struck with the Newcastle United owner's SportsDirect company.

The Open victory marked Clarke's first win in 54 major attempts. He is the oldest player in 44 years to win the tournament. (ANI)