Top European award for Rory

Last updated: 18th December 2012

Rory McIlroy has been named the European Tour golfer of the year, underlining his status as the world's best.

McIlroy follows last year's winner Luke Donald in being awarded the European Tour's highest honour, having also repeated the Englishman's previously unprecedented feat of topping the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic.

It's certainly been a banner year for the Northern Irishman, who captured his second major title when he won the US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island by a record eight-shot margin - matching the winning margin of his maiden major triumph in the 2011 US Open.

McIlroy also lifted three trophies Stateside, played a vital role in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup at Medinah, and ended the year in style by winning the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai by five strokes.

"Everyone who knows me knows how special the 2012 season was," McIlroy said. "A couple of wins, including a major, and consistent performances in big events all helped me win The Race to Dubai for the first time.

"To win that was a massive highlight of an amazing season and I hope it will be the first of many. Now, to have been named as The European Tour Golfer of the Year puts the icing on the cake.

"It is a very special honour indeed and you only need to look down the list of players who have preceded me as the winner of this award to see precisely why; quite simply, it is a Who's Who of golf and I'm delighted to now be a part of that in the history books.

"We play golf because we relish the opportunity to win major championships and world-class tournaments around the globe. But when we do that, to be recognised for these achievements is a great thrill and I thank all the members of the panel who voted for me."