Rory McIlroy has been honoured by the Association of Golf Writers (AGW) as its 2022 Golfer of the Year.
The AGW Golfer of the Year Award, first presented in 1951, is voted among the members as the best effort individual by a European-born or residing player or a European team in the previous 12 months.
The Northern Irishman, who finished the year as the DP World Tour’s Number One at Jumeirah Golf Estates Dubai, PGA Tour Number One and World Number One, receives the prestigious award for a fourth time, having previously claimed the award in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
"I am honoured to be recognised for the fourth time by members of the Association as their AGW Golfer of the Year,” said McIlroy.
“I have always enjoyed a great rapport with members of the AGW and the media, in general, and it’s not lost on me how beneficial their work is at spreading the word of the game of golf around the world.
“The Association is to be congratulated for the work they undertake in continuing to report on golf in these ever-changing times and also their efforts each year to recognise achievements in the game with the hosting of this prestigious award.”
AGW Chairman Martin Dempster, speaking on behalf of the members, said: “Rory McIlroy is a worthy winner once again of our prestigious award, having become just the second player to be crowned as the Number One on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour in the same season.
“There were lots of other strong contenders, including Matthew Fitzpatrick after his brilliant breakthrough major win in the US Open at Brookline, as well as Linn Grant, who won four times as she topped the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit.
“However, Rory comfortably came out on top in our poll, which was an indication that, in addition to how he plays the game, AGW members also appreciate his frankness, which has certainly been evident this year in particular.”
Rory McIlroy will be presented with the award at next July's Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, the venue where he won the Claret Jug in 2014, his third Major victory.
