Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano has been named Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year after a season which saw him win the KLM Open in Holland.
The 25-year-old from Madrid, who turned professional in September last year, became the third Spaniard behind Jose Maria Olazabal (1986) and Sergio Garcia (1999) to receive the accolade since its inception in 1960.
His two-shot victory over an experienced field at Hilversumsche Golf Club in only his 13th start of the year earned him £286,544 and ensured a 57th-place finish in the Order of Merit.
"I am very surprised to win as my one and only objective at the start of the year was to keep my card," said Fernandez-Castano.
He added: "Winning the KLM Open was a big moment in my first season but even more important is that I continue to work hard and improve so that I can try to reach the same level as Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria and Sergio."
Dubliner Peter Lawrie was Ireland's first and last recipient of the award when his achievements were recognised in his debut year in 2003.
