GRAEME McDOWELL AWARDED MBE IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

FROM THE SKYSPORTS.COM WEBSITE

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

McDowell enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2010, becoming the first European to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin 40 years ago.

He then cemented his new position in the world's top-10 by clinching the winning point for Europe in the Ryder Cup, holing a tremendous putt on the 16th on the way to beating Hunter Mahan.

Europe captain Colin Montgomerie said earlier this month he had picked McDowell for the last match because he had nerves of steel.

"Graeme is such a confident figure. It was just in case it all came down to that last match," said the Scot.

"If we were going to win late, I needed someone of his calibre, of his stature now, to come through.

"More importantly, believe it or not, it was because of his win in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor. Forget the US Open, I know from personal experience that you feel one-up when you come back to play on a golf course where you've won before."
McDowell, who started the year ranked 50th in the world, finishes it sixth in the listings."It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours List," he said.
"For my achievements as a professional golfer to be recognised in this way is truly special. Both myself and my family are very proud of this unique acknowledgement."