The Northern Irishman was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire after a year in which he captured his first major title at Pebble Beach. He also won three European Tour events and captured the decisive Ryder Cup match against the United States.

"It is a huge honor for me to be included on the New Year Honors List," McDowell said. "For my achievements as a professional golfer to be recognized in this way is truly special. Both myself and my family are very proud of this unique acknowledgment." Also made an MBE was English football referee Howard Webb, who this year became the first man to take charge of the Champions League and World Cup finals in the same year.

The 39-year-old Webb, who has taken a sabbatical from his regular job as a police officer, showed a record 14 yellow cards and one red in Spain's 1-0 World Cup final win over the Netherlands.

"It has been an unbelievable 12 months," Webb said. "I always say refereeing is about your team, and without the support and ability of my assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey I would not have been selected for the final.

"This honor is for them too and it would be lovely if they could be recognized in a similar way at some point in the future." Former England rugby player Mike Catt is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire after retiring in May, while Martin Broughton was knighted - for services to business rather than his stint as chairman of Premier League football club Liverpool.

The South African-born Catt helped England win the 2003 World Cup and reach the 2007 final. He was the English league's player of the year in 2006 and three years later became the oldest ever player in a Premiership final - aged 37.

"I have been fortunate to have had an enjoyable and successful career in rugby and to now be recognized in such a way makes me feel very privileged," Catt said.

Also honored were former Northern Ireland footballer Jimmy McIlroy, former Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron and Glamorgan cricket chairman Peter Walker.