Kaymer & Mcdowell Share Golfer Of The Year

London - First-time major winners and Ryder Cup heroes Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer have been voted joint winners of the 2010 European Tour Golfer of the Year award.

It is the first time the prize has been shared in its 26-year history.

The Ulsterman and the German won their first major titles during 2010 - McDowell at the US Open, Kaymer at the PGA Championship - both won four times and both were members of the victorious Ryder Cup side.

The 25-year-old Kaymer took the "Race to Dubai" money list title with McDowell chasing him all the way to the final tournament.

The exploits of the award-winning pair and the Ryder Cup victory capped off a sensational year for the European Tour with South African regular Louis Oosthuizen winning the British Open at St Andrews, Lee Westwood taking over from Tiger Woods as world number one and Ian Poulter and Francesco Molinari also winning World Golf Championship events.

McDowell, who on Sunday beat Tiger Woods in a playoff in America, commented: "I am truly humbled to accept this coveted award.

"It is the icing on the cake on what has been a very special year for myself, Martin and everyone involved in European golf.

"It is an honour to share this award with a player of Martin's calibre. He is one of the best players of our generation and I am sure will enjoy many more successes in the years to come.

"I achieved many of my dreams this season and feel fortunate to have enjoyed some very special moments. However, the highlight of the year for me was being a part of the winning European Ryder Cup team.

"There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Ryder Cup and the experience of playing for both your team-mates and the European fans under the most extreme pressure.

"I hope that I am lucky enough to play in many more successful teams in the future."

Kaymer said: "This has been a truly great year for me and winning this award is the perfect ending.

"It is recognition for my performances in 2010 and to be voted for by the golfing media, the people who watch and report on our sport throughout the year, makes me feel very proud.

"I am always trying to follow in Bernhard Langer's footsteps and to see that I have now won an award that he was the first to win back in 1985 is very satisfying indeed.