World Golf News - 03 January 2012

As the 2012 season looms large, several players finished off the old year on a high note as annual accolades were conferred on the top performers of 2011.

In the United Kingdom, British golfing stars Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke both received high recognition when their names appeared on the Queen’s Honours List for 2011.

Following this honour, both players are set to receive some of the highest titles that any Briton may hold – McIlroy will soon be awarded a Membership to the Order of the British Empire (MBE) while Clarke will be made an Officer of the British Empire (OBE). These official titles recognise both Clarke’s and McIlroy’s career successes in the sphere of professional golf.

In other awards news, the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA) announced its 2011 male and female players of the year in the last week of December.

The world’s top-ranked player, Britain’s Luke Donald, was awarded the male player of the year award following a spectacular 2011 season that saw him weather a host of challenges from other strong players to finish the season in golf’s coveted top spot. Having won four times in 2011, Donald also topped the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic to finish the season in style.

The GWAA award for best female player went to LPGA world number one Yani Tseng, who hails from Taiwan. Tseng, who won an astounding twelve tournaments in 2011 and was considered an obvious choice for the prestigious title. The 22-year-old has been on a winning streak this season and is currently the world’s top-rated female golfer.

Finally, the award for best senior player was awarded to the American veteran golfer Tom Lehman. The former US Player of the Year, who came from relative obscurity to dominate the US PGA Tour in 1996, has enjoyed a successful career on the Champions Tour since his retirement.

Golfweather Editorial