McIlroy wins monthly award

Rory McIlroy has taken the European Tour’s Golfer of the Month award for March after winning the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic in Florida to become the second youngest holder of the world number one title.

The 22-year-old took the award despite Luke Donald taking back top spot a fortnight later with victory at the Transitions Championship and Justin Rose winning the second of this season’s world championship events.

McIlroy, now at Augusta for The Masters, said: “It’s always nice to receive these plaudits and honours. There were a couple of guys in with a great chance last month, so it’s nice to come out on top.”