Rory McIlroy has replicated the achievement of Luke Donald and won both the PGA and European Tour money lists in the same season.
The Ulsterman secured the PGA Tour money list title with a hugely successful FedEx Cup play-off series, and his third-place finish at the Barclays Singapore Open gave him an unassailable lead atop the Race to Dubai standings.
At 23 years and 191 days, McIlroy is the youngest player since Sandy Lyle to win the Harry Vardon Trophy. The Scot won the money list in 1979, aged 21, and again the following year.
"It really is hugely satisfying to finally become European Number One, especially after finishing second in two of the last three years," the world number one told the European Tour.
"It has been one of my main goals to become number one in Europe ever since securing my card five years ago, so to end the year as the number one on both the European and PGA Tours is absolutely amazing.
"Winning a second major championship already made it a fabulous season, but then to follow Luke is the icing on the cake.
"I feel so proud and humbled to have joined so many fabulous names in Europe who have won the Order of Merit," he added.
"I set myself a number of ambitious goals at the start of the year, and to have ticked so many of the boxes feels great. A lot of hard work went into this, and I'm really proud of what I've achieved in 2012."
McIlroy will defend his 2011 USB Hong Kong Open title this week before heading to the Dubai for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
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