Luke Donald Wins the PGA of America Player Of The Year Award And The Vardon Trophy

by Iver Maple on November 1, 2011

Coming off his recent victory at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, Mizuno Brand Ambassador Luke Donald’s remarkable year continues as he has received the 2011 PGA of America Player of the Year Award and the Vardon Trophy.

Donald becomes the second native of England to win the PGA of America Player of the Year award, joining Nick Faldo (1990); and he is the second Briton to capture the Vardon Trophy, first presented to “Lighthorse” Harry Cooper in 1937.

The PGA Player of the Year, first presented in 1948, and the Vardon Trophy, which originated in 1937, are The PGA of America’s premier season-ending awards for excellence by a PGA Tour professional.

In dominating the Vardon Trophy race, Donald registered 73 complete rounds with an average of 68.86 to garner the award that is presented to the player with the lowest adjusted season scoring average. Runner-up Webb Simpson averaged 69.25 based upon 98 rounds, and Steve Stricker was third with 69.36 after 70 rounds.

The PGA of America has honored the game’s best players with The PGA Player of the Year Award since 1948. The award is presented to the top touring professional based on a point system for tournament wins, official money standings, and scoring averages. The PGA Tour also recognizes its annual Player of the Year, with the winner determined by a vote of the membership. The PGA Tour Player of the Year, who receives the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, will be announced by the Tour in December.

Since 1948, The PGA of America has honored the game's best players with The PGA Player of the Year Award. The award is currently presented to the top touring professional based on a point system for tournament wins, official money standings, and scoring averages.