England's Lee Westwood has been named the European Tour's Asprey and Garrard Golfer of the Year. This is the second time in three seasons that the 27-year-old has been the recipient of this award. Westwood won seven times around the world this year and is going for an eighth win at the Million Dollar Challenge in South Africa this coming weekend. He also finally made it to top of the European Volvo Order of Merit this year, ending Colin Montgomerie's seven-year reign, after finishing third, third and second over the last three years. Westwood also won the Scot's Cisco World Match Play crown at Wentworth.
"It is a fantastic honour to be voted Player of the Year and caps a wonderful season for me and all those who have helped make it such a success," said a delighted Westwood. "I always played down the importance of winning the Volvo Order of Merit for the simple reason that I put myself under enough pressure already without adding to it. It was always in the back of my mind, however, that if I achieved my goals then succeeding Colin as the European number one would be a possibility. What makes winning the money list all the more satisfying is to have ended Monty's marvellous reign," he added.
Westwood also had words of gratitude for his fellow pros, particularly Ireland's Darren Clarke. "I would like to thank all my colleagues on the European tour for being such fantastic opponents and proving just how strong we are as a unit. None more so than my good friend Darren Clarke, who was the first to congratulate me after it was all decided in Valderrama. He also handed over the £1 he owed me from a bet we struck last August about who would finish higher. Finally, I would like to thank all those who not only voted for me, but also supported me throughout the year. Player of the season has a wonderful ring to it - and I hope it is the springboard to further honours," he said.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
