Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke receive New Year honours Visit SkyBet Save For Later Posted by Bettingpro Staff 31 Dec 2011 Tweet Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland hold the US OPen and British Open Trophies as the pose for a photograph by the lake during the pro - am prior to the start of the Discover Ireland Irish Open at the Killarney golf and fishing club on July 27, 2011 in Killarney, Ireland. (credit: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) Related Articles See all Golf news Share it Pin It British golfers Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke have been honoured in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.US Open champion McIlroy’s superb 2011 campaign has been capped off with an MBE, while veteran Clarke, winner of the Open Championship, has been awarded an OBE.McIlroy’s year looked set to be remembered for his US Masters meltdown, but the 22-year-old Northern Irishman silenced his doubters with a stunning victory at the US Open, and he ends 2011 ranked third in the world behind Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.McIlroy said: “Many people on the honours list have made huge personal sacrifices and contributed significantly to society during their lives. I feel very fortunate to be in their company.”Meanwhile, Clarke enjoyed his first Major victory by upsetting the odds to clinch the Open Championship at Royal St Georges.Speaking about his OBE, the 42 year-old said: “It is a great honour and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am very proud for me and my family.”McIlroy is 8/1 (SkyBet) to bounce back from his US Masters collapse to win the 2012 tournament, while the Northern Irishman is 12/1 (bwin) to retain his US Open crown. Clarke is 90/1 (BetVictor) to win the Open Championship for the second straight year. Read our SkyBet review Get a £10 free bet (no deposit) plus £50 free (cash match) at Skybet Like Like Post to wall 329 Reads All Golf News Recent Golf Articles BMW PGA Championship scores - Luke Donald 5/2 as James Morrison leads by 425 May 2012James Morrison leads the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth by four shots after two rounds – but is Crowne Plaza Invitational scores - See the 1st round story in pictures25 May 2012In-form Zach Johnson is the 3/1 favourite with Bet365 for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial BMW PGA Championship scores - See the story of the 1st round in pictures24 May 2012Luke Donald is the 6/1 favourite for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after opening with a fou BMW PGA Championship Betting Latest23 May 2012William Hill have trimmed the price of Padraig Harrington winning the BMW PGA Championship followin BMW PGA Championship Tips – Rose may finally bloom at Wentworth23 May 2012Justin Rose will be looking to finally end his wait for Wentworth glory when he tees off at the BMW BMW PGA Championship Tips23 May 2012The 2012 European Tour heads to Wentworth this week for flagship tournament, the BMW PGA Championsh More Stories Recent Articles Coop Beach Tour - Live streaming matches on bet36526 May 2012The second leg of the Coop Beach Tour starts in Lucerne today. Smart Beach Tour - Live streaming matches on bet36526 May 2012The Smart Beach Tour kicks off today in Germany CEV Beach Volleyball Satellite Baden - Live streaming matches on bet36526 May 2012Catch the action in the CEV Beach Volleyball Satellite Baden. CEV European Championship Baden Masters Beach Volleyball - Live streaming matches on bet36526 May 2012The CEV European Championshp Baden Masters continue in the Austrian city of Baden today. FIVB Patria Direct Prague Open Beach Volleyball - Live streaming semifinal matches on bet36526 May 2012The FIVB Patria Direct Prague Open continues today. Women's Olympic Handball Qualifiying Tournament - Watch live streaming matches on bet36526 May 2012Day 2 of the Women's Olympic Handball Qualifying Tournament continues in Lyon, Guadalajara and Aalb More Stories Tags Darren Clarke OBE, Golf Bet, New Year Honours, Open Championship Odds, Rory Mcilroy MBE, US Masters Odds, US Open Odds
