European golfing personalities honoured in Augusta

European golfing personalities, from both inside and outside the ropes, were honoured in Augusta on the eve of the Masters at the 41st annual Golf Writers Association of America Awards dinner held at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

Pride of place in player terms went to the 2012 Race to Dubai winner Rory McIlroy, who was voted PGA Tour player of the year by the American writers, the Northern Irishman receiving his award from Editor of Golfweek, Jeff Babineau.

Also recognised for his stunning 2012 season was two time Senior Major Champion Roger Chapman who picked up the Senior Player of the Year award from Alex Miceli, Golfweek’s Senior Writer.

Outside the ropes, two stalwarts of British journalism, Scotland’s Renton Laidlaw and John Hopkins of Wales were also honoured for their sterling contribution to the promotion of golf over the decades.

Laidlaw, who is attending his 40th Masters Tournament this week, received the Masters Major Achievement Award from Masters Media Committee Chairman Craig Heatley, while Hopkins was presented with the PGA of America Lifetime Achievement Award by Ted Bishop, president of the PGA of America.

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