McDowell and Webb cap 2010 with British honours

SPORT HONOURS: LONDON, Jan 01 (AFP) - US Open golf champion Graeme McDowell and World Cup final football referee Howard Webb were among the sports figures whose achievements were recognised Friday in Britain’s New Year’s Honours. Northern Ireland’s McDowell, who also struck the winning putt in the final match as Europe beat the United States to win the Ryder Cup in October, was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).

Just months before his Ryder Cup success, the 31-year-old McDowell had become the first European golfer in 40 years to win the US Open, one of golf’s four major titles. “It is a huge honour for me to be included on the New Year Honours List,” McDowell said. “For my achievements as a professional golfer to be recognised in this way is truly special, added McDowell, whose victory at Pebble Beach gave Europe its first US Open champion since England’s Tony Jacklin won the title in 1970.