Graeme McDowell has a firm grip on the US Open trophy after his victory at Pebble Beach

US Open champion Graeme McDowell and former Northern Ireland footballer Jimmy McIlroy have received MBEs in the New Year Honours List.

McDowell became the first European for 40 years to win the US Open in June and he later played a starring role in Europe's Ryder Cup win over America.

"To be recognised in this way is truly special," said the Portrush golfer.

McIlroy, 79, played most of his club football for Burnley and was capped 51 times for Northern Ireland.

The Lambeg-born McIlroy made 439 appearances for Burnley and the midfielder has a stand named after him at Turf Moor.

He started his senior career with Glentoran in 1949/50 and also had spells with Stoke City and Oldham Athletic.

It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours List. Graeme McDowell

McIlroy scored 10 goals in his international career and is considered one of the greats of Northern Ireland football.

For many, the sight of McDowell rolling home a five-foot putt to clinch the Ryder Cup for Europe was one of the defining moments of sport in 2010.

The moment propelled McDowell into the forefront of public consciousness but his more difficult achievement had come three months before at Pebble Beach, where the 31-year-old won the US Open.

European golfers had not triumphed in the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970, and McDowell's success was all the more surprising given that he had begun the year ranked down at 50.

He has ended 2010 as the number six in the world, and with a host of awards including being voted player of the year by the US and European golf writers.

"It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours List," added McDowell.

"Both myself and my family are very proud of this unique acknowledgement."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version