Harrington nets writers' award
Padraig Harrington has become only the third player to win the Golf Writers' Trophy for a second year in succession.
The last was Peter Oosterhuis in 1973-74 and the first Tony Jacklin for his Open and US Open double in 1969 and 1970.
"It just shows how rare it is to peak two years running," said Harrington, who at Royal Birkdale in July made the first successful defence of The Open by a European for 102 years, and then three weeks later became the first since 1930 to win the USPGA title.
"To have one great year and win a major is fantastic, but to follow it up by winning another two majors this year was beyond anything you could have hoped for.
"What is so satisfying is that in years to come people will look at the trophy and remember your achievements, just as you look at Tony Jacklin's name twice and recall his majors or Peter Oosterhuis and his Order of Merit wins.
"There will be a time I can sit back and enjoy it all, but this is not that time.
"I have really appreciated all the accolades that I have received, especially at this time of year, but I am already back in work mode. I am back in the gym and I had my coach over last week."
Second in the poll of members of the Association of Golf Writers was Order of Merit winner Robert Karlsson, and third came his fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam, who won four times in her final season before going into retirement.
