South African ace Ernie Els has been named Asprey Golfer of the Year for the second year in succession.
Els picked up five European Tour victories on his way to capture the Volvo Order of Merit for the first time, and he beat off competition from the likes of Darren Clarke, Vijay Singh and Lee Westwood to pick up the award.
"It is a wonderful honour to be named Asprey Golfer of the Year for the second successive season," said Els. "Although I didn’t emulate my Major Championship success of 2002, I was delighted to win seven times on three different continents and to follow my good friend, Retief Goosen, as the Volvo Order of Merit winner."
"It is a great thrill to be European Number One for the first time. I would like to thank everyone on the panel who voted for me and I look forward to seeing all my old friends on The European Tour in 2004," he added.
A panel of golf media representatives and European Tour officials meet annually to decide the prize.
Filed by Rob Wright
