• PGA Tour

McIlroy lands PGA of America double

ESPN staff
November 13, 2012
Rory McIlroy landed an unmatched four PGA titles in 2012 © PA Photos
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Rory McIlroy added to his burgeoning collection of year-end accolades after being named the PGA of America's Player of the Year and winner of its Vardon Trophy for the lowest scoring average of the season.

The Northern Irishman, who clinched his second major with a record eight-shot victory at the US PGA Championship in August, landed four PGA Tour titles this season and emulated Ryder Cup team-mate Luke Donald be becoming the second player to top the US and European money lists.

And the 23-year-old is also a runaway favourite to be crowned the PGA Tour's Player of the Year next month, which is voted upon by tour members.

McIlroy comfortably saw off runner-up Tiger Woods and fellow Americans Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar to claim PGA of America Player of the Year honours.

Woods was ineligible for the Vardon Trophy because of his withdrawal during the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Miami in March. He ended the year with an average of 68.9 to McIlroy's 68.87, but second place instead went to Jim Furyk on 69.3.

But the year has belonged to McIlroy, after wins at the Honda Classic, PGA Championship, Deutsche Bank Championship and BMW Championship.

McIlroy clinched the Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour's leading money winner with earnings of $8,047,952, and followed up with the European Tour Race to Dubai crown on Sunday with two events remaining.

"Winning a second major already made it a fabulous season," said McIlroy. "But then to follow Luke in becoming No. 1 in both Europe and the States is the icing on the cake after a fabulous season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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