Kaymer & McDowell Share European Tour Golfer of the Year Honor


Two major championship titleholders in 2010 have been named co-winners of the European Tour's Golfer of the Year award.

Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer, who were also teammates on the victorious 2010 European Ryder Cup team, are the first players in the 26-year history of the award to share the honor.

Kaymer, a 25-year-old from Germany, arrived on the golf scene in a big way when he won the PGA Championship in August at Whistling Straits after beating American Bubba Watson in a playoff. He also had three victories on the European Tour this season and took home the lucrative Race to Dubai money list title as the player with the most season earnings.

"This has been a truly great year for me and winning this award is the perfect ending," said the Dusseldorf native. "It is recognition for my performances in 2010 and to be voted for by the golfing media, the people who watch and report on our sport throughout the year, makes me feel very proud."

McDowell also enjoyed a season for the ages, gaining international attention when he hung tough as the rest of the field fell apart to win the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. The Northern Irishman also sank the winning putt to give Europe its Ryder Cup victory.

Just last Sunday, McDowell overtook Tiger Woods's four-shot lead heading into the final round to win the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., proving once again that he has the resilience and skills to beat any golfer on the planet.

"I am truly humbled to accept this coveted award," McDowell said in a statement from Florida, site of this week's Shark Shootout, where he'll be paired with fellow Irishman Darren Clarke. "It is the icing on the cake on what has been a very special year for myself, Martin and everyone involved in European golf.

"It is an honor to share this award with a player of Martin's caliber. He is one of the best players of our generation and I am sure will enjoy many more successes in the years to come."