McDowell wins Writers' Trophy

Golf Monthly columnist Graeme McDowell has received further recognition for his incredible season by being named the winner of the Golf Writers' Trophy for 2010.

G-Mac is the first player from Northern Ireland and the fifth Irish golfer to win the award that dates back to 1951.

The 31-year-old made history at Pebble Beach by becoming the first European winner of the US Open since Tony Jacklin 40 years ago.

In October he clinched the winning point at the Ryder Cup. He has also won the Wales Open at Celtic Manor, the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama and the Chevron World Challenge by beating host Tiger Woods in a play-off.

McDowell won the annual poll of the members of the Association of Golf Writers despite fierce competition from his rivals on Tour.

The Ryder Cup team, captained by Colin Montgomerie, finished second, just ahead of Martin Kaymer, the USPGA champion and European Tour number one, with Lee Westwood, the newly crowned world number one, in fourth place.

Watch Graeme McDowell's BBC Sports Personality promotional video

"I am hugely honoured to win such a prestigious award and especially in a year when European golf as a whole has achieved such amazing things," McDowell said.

A record number of votes were cast in this year's poll, which reflected the breadth of achievement in European golf in 2010. Laura Davies, who won five times on the Ladies European Tour, and Matteo Manassero, the 17-year-old Italian who became the youngest ever winner on the European Tour, both featured highly, while there was also support for Rory McIlroy, brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Miguel Angel Jimenez and British and US Senior Open champion Bernhard Langer.

Bill Elliott, chairman of the Association and Golf Monthly's editor at large, said: "What a treasure chest our members had to choose from this year but, in the end, I suspect that the abiding image of an exhausted Graeme McDowell clinching the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor just tipped it in his favour. Beating Tiger in California a week ago didn't do the Ulsterman any harm either. Terrific stuff."

This year, for the perfect Christmas gift, take advantage of our special Golf Monthly subscription offer. You will save up to 37% and receive a gift card to send. Or, treat yourself and enjoy the luxury of each issue delivered to your door.

Call 0844 848 0848 and quote AHYT or go to magazinesdirect.co/uk/iwat