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.
