Andy Sullivan won the English Championship on Sunday ending a five year spell without a victory and burst into tears recalling the friends who did not live to witness the moment.
The 33-year-old Englishman -- a member of the losing 2016 Ryder Cup team -- has seen his brother-in-law and a close friend pass away since he last won in Portugal in 2015.
On a happier note it was his first win -- his fourth overall on the EPGA Tour -- since his son was born two years ago.
Otaegui claimed second seven shots off Sullivan.
Sullivan burst into tears when he addressed his family via a laptop that was set up off the 18th green.
"I think it was just the people that have missed it for me," said Sullivan.
"My brother-in-law was only 24 and got taken from us, so it's quite emotional for him not to witness it.
"A good friend of mine has passed as well. It means a lot to do that for them.
"It's just nice for my family, to win for my little boy who's only two-years-old. It's just nice for him to see daddy being successful. He hasn't quite seen that."
Sullivan admitted he had a tougher time over the closing holes holding back the tears than worrying about Otaegui's fading challenge.
"I can't remember too much about my emotions in the first three wins but I was fighting the tears back on those last three holes," he said.
"I was really just proud of myself for what I've achieved this week." AFP