British golfers Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke have been honoured in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
US Open champion McIlroy’s superb 2011 campaign has been capped off with an MBE, while veteran Clarke, winner of the Open Championship, has been awarded an OBE.
McIlroy’s year looked set to be remembered for his US Masters meltdown, but the 22-year-old Northern Irishman silenced his doubters with a stunning victory at the US Open, and he ends 2011 ranked third in the world behind Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.
McIlroy said: “Many people on the honours list have made huge personal sacrifices and contributed significantly to society during their lives. I feel very fortunate to be in their company.”
Meanwhile, Clarke enjoyed his first Major victory by upsetting the odds to clinch the Open Championship at Royal St Georges.
Speaking about his OBE, the 42 year-old said: “It is a great honour and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am very proud for me and my family.”
McIlroy is 8/1 (
SkyBet) to bounce back from his US Masters collapse to win the 2012 tournament, while the Northern Irishman is 12/1 (
bwin) to retain his US Open crown. Clarke is 90/1 (
BetVictor) to win the Open Championship for the second straight year.
