McIlroy bags another award

European Tour

He may not have nabbed the SPOTY award, but Rory McIlroy has been named the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for 2014.

The world No 1 won five times during the year, including two major titles as well as his first World Golf Championship, making him a perennial favourite in the Paddy Power betting stakes.

McIlroy enjoyed his most stunning run of form during July and August, when he followed up his Open Championship victory at Hoylake with wins at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

“To be named the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for a second time is a huge honour and one I am extremely proud of,” said McIlroy, the youngest player in history to win the accolade twice.

The 25-year-old comfortably wrapped up the PGA Tour Money List title and was a stand-out winner of the PGA Player of the Year award, and he was crowned Race to Dubai champion a week ahead of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy finished the European season over two million euros ahead of Henrik Stenson in the Race to Dubai standings as he became the first player to twice win the Money List titles on both main Tours in the same season.

McIlroy also played a pivotal role in Europe retaining the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, and his singles victory over Rickie Fowler was one of the greatest performances in the history of the competition.

“If I had won any one of those four titles it would have been a good year, but to win all four, to win The Race to Dubai, and to be part of another fantastic European victory in The Ryder Cup, means it is a great one,” McIlroy added.

“This award is a very nice way to round off the year. The European Tour has always been good to me, so it is always special to be recognised in this way. Hopefully I can have more years like this one and win the award again.”

European Tour chief executive George O’Grady added: “The 2014 season will go down as one of the greatest in the European Tour’s history, and it will be defined by Rory McIlroy’s astounding accomplishments on the global stage.

“Europe’s performance to retain The Ryder Cup and Martin Kaymer’s dominant victories in the US Open and Players Championship on the PGA Tour alone would have made it a year to remember for European golf.

“But Rory’s victories in four of the biggest championships on our International Schedule will ensure the story of this season is retold for many years to come. Quite rightly, therefore, it is Rory who receives our Golfer of the Year Award for 2014.”

Will 2015 be another year to remember? And who do you fancy in the early running? Whatever the answer, Paddy Power has you covered if you fancy a punt.

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