McIlroy named writers’ professional of the year

RORY McILROY, who has risen from 39th to ninth position in the official world rankings in his second season on tour, has been voted the ‘Professional of the Year’ in the 2009 Irish Golf Writers’ Association Awards, sponsored by AIB Bank.

The 20-year-old phenomenon from Holywood, Co Down, claimed a maiden tour win when capturing the Dubai Desert Classic in February and went on to have 14 top-10 finishes including a third place at the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine. McIlroy finished second, behind Lee Westwood, in the European Tour’s ‘Race to Dubai’ standings.

Shane Lowry, the 22-year-old from Esker Hills in Co Offaly, has been voted “Men’s Amateur of the Year” in recognition of his win in the 3 Irish Open at Co Louth Golf Club in May. In becoming just the third amateur to win a full event on the PGA European Tour, Lowry – who claimed the title in a play-off with Robert Rock, but who was unable to collect the €500,000 top prize because of his amateur status – brought an end to a trophy-laden amateur career which had seen him lead Ireland to back-to-back European Championship in the previous two seasons.