The PGA Tour announced today that the 2011 Player of the Year was awarded to Luke Donald, as well as the Rookie of the Year going to Keegan Bradley.Each of the awards are voted on by the PGA Tour members, making this an award from their peers.
No surprises I'm sure on either award -- Though now it is official.
Commissioner Tim Finchem made the announcement earlier today.
"On behalf of the PGA Tour, my congratulations to Luke and Keegan for their award-winning accomplishments in 2011."
"Both players had significant and impressive performances throughout the course of the year, and the member vote reflects the respect their peers have for them."
Donald, the world's No. 1 ranked player is of course an almost shoe-in for the award this season.
His consistent play throughout the year was almost expected, week in and week out on the PGA Tour.
The 34-year old Englishman was the first POY award recipient from England, since the awards inception, beginning in 1990 when Wayne Levi was the first winner.
In 19 events this season, Donald had two victories (WGC - Accenture Match Play and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic), two runner ups, two third place finishes, 14 top-10's and 16 top-25's.
He earned $6,683,214 on his way to winning the money title in dramatic fashion in the PGA Tour's last Fall Series event at Disney.
"That's a great honor to cap off what has obviously been an amazing year for me," Donald said after hearing the announcement.
Donald was voted the POY over Kegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Bill Haas and Nick Watney.
Rookie of the Year, Bradley, is also a non-surprise winner in anyone's eyes. To some, he was right there with Donald in talks for POY.
The 25-year old being a rookie on Tour obviously had his up and down struggles and played in many more events than Donald had to.
In 28 events in 2011, Bradley had his two wins; at the HP Byron Nelson, and of course his come from behind victory at the PGA Championship.
He also racked up four top-10's and 12 top-25's.
Bradley's major victory at the Atlanta Athletic Club for the PGA Championship, put him in rare company.
He became only the second player to win a major in his very first start in a major on the PGA Tour.
"I'm thrilled to win the Rookie of the Year," said Bradley on Tuesday.
"It's an award you can only win one time, that you only get one chance to win. It's a huge honor."
Both players had incredible years and I would like to say congratulations to both Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley on their tremendous seasons and their well deserving awards.
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