Lee Westwood has been named as the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for a fourth time in his career after claiming a third Race to Dubai victory.
The Englishman began 2020 with victory at the first Rolex Series event at the he Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at the beginning of the year and concluded in style with a second-placed finish at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship two weeks ago for yet another Harry Vardon trophy.
Westwood was voted golfer of the year by members of the media, adding to his accolades of 1998, 2000 and 2009.
‘I am very honoured and extremely flattered to have been named European Tour Golfer of the Year as I know the competition for the award this year would have been extremely high,’ said the 47-year-old on Monday.
READ: Westwood wins Race to Dubai
‘Thank you to the media for voting for me and also huge congratulations again to everyone at the European Tour who did a tremendous job this year managing to put on a full International schedule under such difficult times.
‘I never forget that I am extremely fortunate to do a job which I love, and which has sent me around the world playing in the most amazing places and meeting some wonderful people, so to win this award is very humbling.
‘I am looking forward to the 2021 season, the 28th season of my career, which I will start by defending at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.’
European Tour CEO Keith Pelley congratulated Westwood on his latest achievement and described him as an exceptional ‘ambassador’ for the Tour.
‘His performances and his professionalism are matched by his longevity and his commitment to European golf. For Lee to call shortly before our resumption and ask what he could do to help the Tour is testament to the person and the player he is.
‘To then go on to become the European Tour’s Number One player for a third time, 20 years after he first achieved that accolade, was a storybook way to end this most challenging of years. Lee is therefore a thoroughly deserving winner of the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year award,’ Pelley said.
