McIlroy deserved rookie award, says McDowell

Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell agrees with Lee Westwood's assessment that Rory McIlroy would have been a more worthy recipient than Rickie Fowler of the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award.

American Fowler totalled seven top-10s in 2010 while Irishman McIlroy, who has confirmed he will return to the European Tour next season, finished tied for third at two Majors - the Open and USPGA - and won the Quail Hollow Championship in May before helping Europe to Ryder Cup glory in October.

Westwood tweeted his surprise at the decision on Monday, accusing the PGA Tour of "protectionism", and McDowell reckons the world number one has a point.

He told BBC Radio '5 Live Breakfast': "You can't really compare Rickie Fowler's season to Rory's. Rory, what is he, 11th in the world now?

"He's one of the most talented players I've ever seen. To win Quail Hollow in the style he did, to be challenging in Major championships at the young age of 21 years old, I certainly think he was deserving of Rookie of the Year.

"But, at the end of the day it's just a title - it's nothing. Rory McIlroy will go on, I believe he will become one of the best players in the world - if not the best player - and win Major championships.

"I certainly agree with Lee that Rory was a lot more deserving than Rickie Fowler."

McDowell also paid tribute to Westwood for his achievement in being crowned the world's top player.

"He's had an incredible year," said the 31-year-old. "To do what he's done this year with the injury problems he's had and the amount of time he's had off, to come back and to be better than ever... he's the world number one golfer - enough said.

"He's been so impressive the last few years now, knocking on the door of major championships, winning tournaments all over the world. He's certainly deserving of world number one."

McDowell and Westwood are among the 10 contenders shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, and the Irishman - who was yesterday named joint winner of the 2010 European Tour Golfer of the Year award along with Martin Kaymer - would love to round of the year with another title on December 19.

"If one of us was to win Sports Personality of the Year that would just cap off an amazing year for European golf," said the Portrush golfer, who beat Tiger Woods in a play-off at the Chevron World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, California on Sunday.

"Sports Personality of the Year - it's one of those things I've grown up with. Just to be part of that show, to be one of the nominations, is very special."

Looking back to his match-winning Ryder Cup exploits, McDowell reflected on what was probably the highlight of his career.

"When I think back to that weekend at Celtic Manor, that Monday afternoon, the atmosphere the Ryder Cup creates is something special," said the US Open champion.

"My point that afternoon was just one point out of the 14.5 that we won. Obviously my team-mates provided me with that opportunity.

"When it came down to me, with everybody's fate resting in my hands, to hit that shot on 16 and hole the putt was probably the greatest moment of my sporting life."