There was another night to remember at the end of a remarkable year as the Irish Golf Writers’ Association crowned Open champion Shane Lowry its Professional Player of the Year at its annual Allianz-sponsored awards.

Paul Dunne rounded off a stellar breakthrough year on tour last night when he was named “Professional of the Year” by the Irish Golf Writers’ Association.

Rory McIlroy may be gearing up for his seasonal debut on the European Tour but it is PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem who has most to look forward to from the world No 1’s 2013 schedule.