McDowell awarded an MBE

Northern Ireland golfer Graeme McDowell
has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

McDowell enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2010, becoming
the first European to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin 40 years ago.

He then cemented his new position in the world's top-10 by clinching
the winning point for Europe in the Ryder Cup, holing a tremendous
putt on the 16th on the way to beating Hunter Mahan.

Europe captain Colin Montgomerie said earlier
this month he had picked McDowell in the last match because he had
nerves of steel.

"Graeme is such a confident figure, it was just in case it all came
down to that last match," said the Scot.

"If we were going to win late, I needed someone of his calibre, of his
stature now, to come through.

"More importantly, believe it or not, it was because of his win in the
Wales Open at Celtic Manor. Forget the US Open, I know from personal
experience that you feel one-up when you come back to play on a golf
course where you've won before."

McDowell, who started the year ranked 50th in the world, finishes it
sixth in the listings.

"It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours
List," he said.

"For my achievements as a professional golfer to be recognised in this
way is truly special. Both myself
and my family are very proud of this unique acknowledgement."