The Irish Golf Club Gazette: 09/18/14

9/18/2014

McIlroy Wins Vardon Trophy

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy's successful summer has led to him being named PGA of America Player of the Year and the Vardon Trophy winner in the US.

It marked the second time in three years that the Northern Irishman, 25, has picked up two awards.

McIlroy won consecutive majors as he landed the Open Championshipand US PGA title, which came either side of his WGC-Bridgestone Invitational triumph.

The world number one could also land the PGA Tour Player of the Year award.

That honour will be announced on 9 October.

McIlroy posted an adjusted average of 68.82 through 66 complete rounds, edging Sergio Garcia [68.95] - who completed 61 rounds - to win the Vardon Trophy.

Masters winner Bubba Watson was a distant second to McIlroy for the Player of the Year award, with US Open winner Martin Kaymer third, followed by Jimmy Walker.

Rory Ryder Cup Ready

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy accepts he has greater responsibility in Europe's Ryder Cup team but says he is relishing his role.

The Northern Irishman, 25, is world number one after winning back-to-back majors earlier this year.

McIlroy said he had no qualms about being a target for the United States in the match at Gleneagles next week.

"I was world number one in 2012, but this is my third Ryder Cup and I'm not a rookie anymore. I've got more responsibility," he told BBC Sport.

"There are still a few guys older than me but I'm somewhat of a leader and will try to set an example and lead from the front.

"Hopefully captain [Paul] McGinley puts that trust in me and I can go and lead the team out and hopefully get a few points on the board for Europe."

McIlroy has played with fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell six times in the last two contests but are currently involved in a court case with McIlroy's former management company.

McGinley insists he has no concerns about putting them together again, and McIlroy says he wants to play with McDowell.

He added: "I'd like to tee it up with Graeme. We've done well in the past. [The 2012 captain] Jose Maria [Olazabal] decided to split it up at the end in 2012 and I played with Ian Poulter.

"I get on great with Graeme. We have a great chemistry on the golf course and I'm sure we can team up to win a couple of points for Europe."