Icing on the cake as McIlroy is awarded top European honour

McIlroy succeeds Luke Donald as winner of the coveted award, having also replicated the Englishman’s previously unprecedented achievement of winning both the Race to Dubai and US PGA Tour money list in the same season.

The 23-year-old from Northern Ireland captured his second major title in August, winning the 
US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island by a record eight shots, matching the winning margin of his maiden major triumph in the 2011 US Open.

McIlroy also won three times in America before playing a vital role in Europe’s stunning Ryder Cup victory at Medinah, and he ended the year in style with five closing birdies to win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

“Everyone who knows me knows how special the 2012 season was,” said McIlroy. “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 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 panel who voted for me.”

Colin Montgomerie and former European Tour executive director Ken Schofield will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame next year.

Former Ryder Cup captain Montgomerie, who was elected through the international ballot, and Schofield – selected through the lifetime achievement category – will be honoured along with fellow inductees Fred Couples, Willie Park Jnr and Ken Venturi on May 6, 2013 at the World Golf Village in St Augustine, Florida.

Montgomerie was European No 1 for eight years, including seven in succession, and enjoyed a hugely successful Ryder Cup career. The Scot, 49, was unbeaten in singles matches in his eight consecutive appearances from 1991 and went on to captain the European side which regained the trophy at Celtic Manor in 2010.

He said: “It is a wonderful surprise to hear that I will be inducted.”