Rory McIlroy has been named The 2015 European Tour Golfer of the Year for the third time in four years.

The Northern Irishman won three times during the 2015 season, including an enthralling victory in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai last month which ensured he successfully defended his Race to Dubai crown – an honour he also claimed for a third time in four years.

McIlroy finished 1,056,943 points clear of his nearest rival, Englishman Danny Willett, in The Race to Dubai, becoming only the seventh player in European Tour history to be crowned European Number One in consecutive campaigns.

He has now added The European Tour Golfer of the Year award to his trophy cabinet after a panel consisting of members of the golfing media unanimously voted for him as the 2015 winner.

“It is a huge honour for me to be named European Tour Golfer of the Year again,” said McIlroy. “I feel very proud to have won this prestigious award for the third time - it is always special, no matter how often, to be recognised this way.

“After a good first half to the season, the injury was obviously a setback for me, so to finish the year strongly with my second victory in Dubai – plus picking up The Race to Dubai title again - was very satisfying. This was an objective I successfully fulfilled this season. To now win the Golfer of the Year award, too, is a great way to sign off the year. I am already looking forward to starting the new season and trying to achieve even more in 2016.”

Olivia wins at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links

It's been an amazing year for Royal County Down's Olivia Mehaffey who won again when the plus three handicapper claimed the best nett in the weekly Tuesday winter outing at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.

The world No 11 defied gale force wins and shot a level par 71 to take the honours as Carton House's Declan O'Neill took the best gross with a one over par 72.

Tuam's special offer

Times are tough for golfers and golf clubs but Tuam Golf Club is willing to go the extra mile to get members and produced a special 2 for 1 offer — €700 for membership of the magnificent Galway club for 2016 and 2017.

The offer, which is valid until 31 May 2016, is certainly enticing, just as the club planned.

"We are introducing this new offer to entice new members to play at Tuam Golf Club," the club writes. 

"Due to economic adversities, golf has become an expensive sport and we feel that our package outlined below is extremely affordable and will give people the opportunity to play golf once again or for the first time in some cases.

• Full membership
• 2 years (2016 & 2017) membership for the price of 1
• Available only up to 31st May 2016; €400 on application
• €300 to be paid on or before 31st August 2016
• Includes GUI levies and development levies
• Bar & Restaurant Vouchers not applicable
• 24 months of Golf for €700
• Full Single Fees apply from Year 3
• This offer is only open to new members
• Contact: tuamgolfclub@eircom.net or Johnbodkin@eircom.net