HONG KONG — World number one Rory McIlroy added further accolades to his already bulging resume when he was named winner of the PGA of America Player of the Year award and the Vardon Trophy Monday. The 23-year-old Northern Irishman, who clinched his second major title with a record eight-shot victory at the PGA Championship in August, was always likely to land both honors after triumphing a season-high four times on the 2012 PGA Tour. McIlroy followed in the footsteps of his Ryder Cup teammate Luke Donald when he became the second player to win the money list titles in both Europe and the United States. He is also a heavy favorite to become the PGA Tour's Player of the Year, which is voted upon by tour members and scheduled to be announced early next month. McIlroy comfortably held off the challenge of Americans Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar to claim PGA of America Player of the Year honors. He finished with 100 points, while Woods ended up with 66, Masters champion Watson and Dufner each totalled 50, Snedeker earned 36 and Kuchar 34. McIlroy won the Vardon Trophy, first presented in 1937, with an adjusted scoring average of 68.87. Jim Furyk was second on 69.30 and Dufner third (69.45). McIlroy is vying with Woods, Dufner, FedExCup champion Snedeker and Watson for the PGA Tour's Player of the Year award. Those five players were named Monday as the final nominees for the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award. The nominees for Rookie of the Year were Charlie Beljan, Jonas Blixt, Bud Cauley, John Huh and Ted Potter Jr. McIlroy says he can now relax a little. Until Thursday, that is, when he begins his defense of the Hong Kong Open. “It's nice not having to worry about the Race to Dubai title knowing that I've already wrapped it up,” McIlroy said Tuesday on Victoria Peak, off which he hit plastic balls in a promotional event with Padraig Harrington, YE Yang, Paul Lawrie and Matt Kuchar. “Matteo (Manassero) did me a big favor Sunday, but then I want to end the year with another victory.” — Agencies
