Fowler outpolls McIlroy in battle of rookies

THE PGA Tour of America has defended its decision to overlook Rory McIlroy for its prestigious Rookie of the Year award.

The Northern Ireland starlet was surprisingly outpolled by Rickie Fowler yesterday, despite winning in spectacular style at Quail Hollow and finishing third in two majors.

Fowler was a rookie in the purest sense, fresh out of Q-school at age 21. He had two runner-up finishes, at the Phoenix Open and Memorial, and was selected for the Ryder Cup team. But McIlroy’s credentials were clearly stronger. He not only won the Quail Hollow Championship by closing with a 62, he tied for third at the British Open and the PGA Championship. McIlroy tied a major championship record at St Andrews when he shot 63 in the first round.

The Holywood star recently said he would not keep his PGA Tour membership next year to focus more on Europe and cut down on his schedule. Whether that had a role in the players’ vote could not be known without polling every player.

“I don’t think so,” insisted PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem. “A guy finishes as strong as Rickie did on the FedEx Cup and the money list, players vote for different reasons. But certainly, both guys had great years. Personally, I like to have a little controversy. So if you guys want to write that it’s a controversy, that’s good, because it brings more attention to who won.”

Jim Furyk finished off his remarkable season by claiming the PGA Tour Player of the Year award.

Furyk was always favoured to win the award after three PGA Tour victories, including the Tour Championship to capture the FedEx Cup. He was second on the money list and in scoring average to Matt Kuchar.

“The year just keeps getting better is all I can say,” Furyk said.