Rory McIlroy was the toast of The European Tour at the glamourous European Tour Players’ Awards at the Sofitel Heathrow, where he picked up Golfer of the Year Award as well as the Players’ Player of the Year Award on the eve of the flagship BMW PGA Championship.
The Northern Irishman claimed Majors number three and four last year at The Open Championship and the US PGA Championship respectively, while he also arrives at Wentworth Club this week as the defending champion, having added that prestigious trophy to his collection 12 months ago.
The 26 year old, who has already won on both sides of the Atlantic this year, was duly recognised for his outstanding achievements last year at a glitzy affair in London, which showcased the drama on the world stage The European Tour provides, through the many stunning highlights of The 2014 Race to Dubai season.
McIlroy was not the only double-winner on the night as American Brooks Koepka’s incredible first year on The European Tour was rewarded with the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award, which was presented by friend and former winner Peter Uihlein, as well as receiving the Challenge Tour Graduate of the Year Award from Challenge Tour Director Alain de Soultrait, having come through Europe’s top developmental tour in 2013.
Members of the victorious 2014 European Ryder Cup team and their much-vaunted captain, Paul McGinley, took to the stage and discussed their glorious week at Gleneagles.
Jamie Donaldson provided the defining moment of that triumph over the United States with a pinpoint wedge approach to the 15th green which sealed the winning point, and that masterstroke was also recognised during the glittering evening as the Welshman received The European Tour Shot of the Year Award for his endeavours.
There were gifts exchanged between the victorious Ryder Cup comrades and their leader, as McGinley presented a framed limited edition print featuring Canadian Geese flying over the team to his dozen charges, their caddies and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who featured as a guest speaker at Gleneagles and was also present at the Sofitel for the evening's festivities.
The players also reciprocated that gesture by presenting McGinley with a picture signed by the entire team.
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, and David Williams, Chairman of The European Tour, welcomed guests to the prestigious event before Steve Sands of the Golf Channel and Kirsty Gallacher of Sky Sports hosted proceedings on stage and interviewed the award winners.
It was the perfect start to one of the highlights of The European Tour International Schedule, and all the action begins on Wednesday with the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am, before the competition begins in earnest on Thursday.
