RORY McILROY, DARREN CLARKE ON NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH SPORTS WEBSITE

By JOHN BINGHAM

Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke, the Northern Irish golfers, lead the field among the sport stars on the New Year Honours list.

McIlroy, who at 22 became the youngest US Open champion for 88 years in June, is made an MBE and Clarke - whose victory at this year's Open at the age of 42 was, by contrast, hailed as a triumph for experience over youth - receives an OBE

The honour crowns a rollercoaster year for McIlroy, who turned meltdown at the US Masters in Augusta in April into triumph at the US Open only two months later. He said it was “humbling” to be included.

“Many people on the honours list have made huge personal sacrifices and contributed significantly to society during their lives,” he said.

“I feel very fortunate to be in their company.”

Clarke added that it was “a fantastic way to end a great year”.