Rory McIlroy claims European Tour Golfer of the Year award for 2015
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Rory McIlroy claims European Tour Golfer of the Year award for 2015

RORY McIlroy has been named the 2015 European Tour Golfer of the Year for the third time in four years.

The 26-year-old, who will represent Ireland at the Olympics next year as golf returns to the Games for the first time since 1904, secured three wins throughout another stellar year.

His most recent triumph came in the DP World Tour Championship last month, which saw him retain his Race to Dubai title.

McIlroy becomes only the seventh man in European Tour history to be named European No.1 in consecutive years after a panel consisting of members of the golfing media unanimously voted for him as the 2015 winner.

“It is a huge honour for me to be named European Tour Golfer of the Year again,” said McIlroy, who posted a scoring average of just over 69 over the course of 2015.

“I feel very proud to have won this prestigious award for the third time – it is always special, no matter how often, to be recognised this way.

“After a good first half to the season, the [ankle] injury was obviously a setback for me, so to finish the year strongly with my second victory in Dubai – plus picking up The Race to Dubai title again - was very satisfying. This was an objective I successfully fulfilled this season.

“To now win the Golfer of the Year award, too, is a great way to sign off the year. I am already looking forward to starting the new season and trying to achieve even more in 2016.”