Williams wins Mark H McCormack medal as leading amateur

American Chris Williams will be awarded the Mark H McCormack medal after finishing the US Amateur Championship as the number one male golfer in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

The medal - recognising the leading player in the rankings - is awarded annually by the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) after the US Amateur or European Amateur - whichever finishes last.

Williams - a quarter-finalist at last week's US Amateur - beat off a host of talented youngsters, including compatriots Jordan Speith, Justin Thomas and Bobby Wyatt, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Dutchman Daan Huizing, to win the coveted medal.

The University of Washington senior has enjoyed a fine college season, winning the Western Amateur earlier this month to add to his NCAA Southwest Regional and Washington State Amateur titles.

The 21-year-old from Idaho was also awarded Team All-American honours by the Golf Coaches Association of America.

"It's a huge honour. My teammate Nick Taylor won it a few years back and my friend Patrick Cantlay won it last year. I never though I'd be in the same circle as those guys. It's truly an honour. To be on top of that ranking is something I definitely cherish," said Williams.

The World Amateur Golf Ranking - supported by Rolex - was inaugurated in 2007, and ranks more than 6,600 players representing 101 countries worldwide.

Glen D. Naher, USGA President, said: "Chris has had two terrific years of golf, which include some prominent tournament victories. The USGA wishes him continued success in his career as an amateur and beyond."

"I would like to congratulate Chris on his outstanding performance to win this year's medal," added Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director - Championships at the R&A.

Fifteen-year-old Lydia Ko will also receive the Mark H McCormack Medal after finishing the US Women's Amateur Championship on top of the women's World Amateur Golf Rankings.