Retief Goosen was today named the 2001 Asprey & Garrard Golfer of the Year.
The South African enjoyed an outstanding season in which he captured the US Open, two other titles on the European Tour and won the Volvo Order of Merit.
The 32-year-old from Pietersburg secured the coveted position of European number one by winning the US Open after an 18-hole play-off with Mark Brooks, following his first Major victory with successes in The Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and the Telefonica Open de Madrid.
Goosen also partnered Ernie Els in Japan as South Africa won the World Cup at the second hole of a play-off with Denmark, New Zealand and the United States.
Goosen topped the money list, finishing ahead of Irishmen Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke and his close friend and countryman Els.
Harrington, who was also a strong contender for the award himself, was named Asprey & Garrard Golfer of the Month for November following his impressive victory in the Volvo Masters Andalucia.
Harrington ended the year on a winning note after seven second-place finishes when he birdied three of the last four holes to edge out fellow Irishman Paul McGinley at Montecastillo.
The Asprey & Garrard Golfer of the Year Award comprises 11 monthly awards.
In 2001 the winners were:
Justin Rose (January)
Aaron Baddeley (February)
Thomas Bjorn (March)
Jose Coceres (April)
Andrew Oldcorn (May)
Retief Goosen (June)
Darren Clarke (July)
Paul Casey (August)
Sergio Garcia (September)
Ian Woosnam (October)
Padraig Harrington (November)