GRAEME McDowell may have had to share the European Tour Golfer of the Year award with Martin Kaymer, but is the clear winner of the British Golf Writers’ Trophy.

McDowell is the first player from Northern Ireland and the fifth Irish golfer to win the award which dates back to 1951.

The 31-year-old became the first European winner of the US Open since Tony Jacklin 40 years ago and then clinched the winning point at the Ryder Cup. He also won the Wales Open at Celtic Manor, the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama and the Chevron World Challenge by beating host Tiger Woods in a play-off.