The European Tour Annual Dinner has traditionally been one of the highlights of BMW PGA Championship week, and Tuesday night’s celebration of the last 12 months of never ending drama and breath-taking excitement once again captured the ebullient spirit of The European Tour.
Major Champions, Ryder Cup winners and a star-studded cast of European Tour winners mingled with numerous administrators, promoters and sponsors to illuminate the elegant Ballroom at Wentworth Club as the Tour’s annual Awards were presented.
The Tour guests enjoyed a trip down memory lane with a review of the highlights of the 2006, compiled by European Tour Productions, before Padraig Harrington of Ireland, England’s Paul Casey and Marc Warren of Scotland received the 2006 season’s most prestigious Awards.
Casey, The European Tour Golfer of the Year, received his trophy from the 2005 winner, Michael Campbell of New Zealand along with the Shot of the Year trophy for his hole in one during The Ryder Cup. Meanwhile the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year trophy was passed from the 2005 recipient, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño of Spain to the former Challenge Tour Number One, Warren.
However, the highlight of the evening was the ceremony which saw a passionate golfing enthusiast and committed Tour sponsor, Sir Michael Smurfit, hand over the coveted Harry Vardon Trophy to The 2006 European Number One, Harrington.
The Irish connection did not stop there. Tour Chief Executive, George O’Grady, paid tribute to Sir Michael’s passionate and committed support of the Tour and The Ryder Cup at his pride and joy – The K Club in Co. Kildare.
John O’Leary, a Member of the Tour Board of Directors and another Irishman who was instrumental in The Ryder Cup going to Ireland for the first time, presented Sir Michael with a replica Ryder Cup to mark his immense contribution to last year’s superb event.
