02 January 2012 16:16
GMT
Open Champion Darren Clarke has finished a successful 2011 with an award in the New Year Honours list.
The 43-year-old becomes an OBE and follows other British post-war Open winners Paul Lawrie MBE (1999), Sir Nick Faldo (1987, 90, 92), Sandy Lyle MBE (1985), Tony Jacklin CBE (1969), the late Max Faulkner OBE (1951) and the late Sir Henry Cotton (1934, 37, 48) in being honoured.
New Zealand’s Sir Bob Charles (1963) is another past winner who has previously been recognised by the Queen.
“It is a great honour and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am very proud for me and my family,” said Clarke.
Clarke’s fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was also honoured on the same list for his 2011 US Open win by being appointed an MBE.