McDowell recognised by US golf writers

US Open champion voted player of the year by US journalists

Graeme McDowell’s blockbuster year received further recognition last week after the Northern Irishman was voted player of the year by the Golf Writers Association of America.

The 31-year-old, who has already won the British Golf Writers Trophy, became the first European golfer to win the US Open in 40 years with his victory at Pebble Beach in June.

Joint winner of the European Tour Player of the Year award with German Martin Kaymer, McDowell was also the man who sealed the winning point for Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Two further European Tour wins, as well as a dramatic victory over former world No.1 Tiger Woods in the Chevron World Challenge were also determining factors in naming McDowell winner over Kaymer and PGA Tour Player of the Year Jim Furyk.

Taiwan’s Yani Tseng picked up the women’s player of the year award, whilst Bernhard Langer, who won back-to-back Senior major titles in 2010, was named senior player of the year.

All three will pick up their awards in Augusta on April 6, 2011 on the eve of the season-starting major championship, the Masters.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered