Former British Open champion Ben Curtis won his first US PGA Tour title since 2006 on Sunday, holding on for an emotional two-shot victory over Matt Every and John Huh at the Texas Open.

Curtis, the surprise winner of the British Open in 2003, birdied the par-five 18th for an even-par 72 on the day and a nine-under total of 279.

“It’s been a tough couple of years,” a teary Curtis said as he struggled for composure. “Just played through it, that’s all you can do.”

Curtis’s lacklustre results had seen him lose his full playing privileges on the US tour.

In 2011, he failed to finish in the top 10 even once for the first time since he joined the tour in 2003.

That’s the year Curtis shot to prominence with his victory at the British Open, emerging with the triumph after a late collapse by Thomas Bjorn.

He won two US PGA titles in 2006, but had not won since.

Every carded a 71 for 281, but some missed chances on the greens cost him a chance at a first tour title.

Huh, winner of the Mayakoba Classic already this season, seized a share of second with a 69.

Nathan Green (72) was the best-placed Australian, nine shots off the pace on 288, while Matt Jones (72) finished a further two shots back.

Greg Chalmers (78) meanwhile, who went into the final round in a tie for sixth place, shot six bogeys in a horror final round to finish tied for 35th spot on 291.