Irish golf ace Graeme McDowell has been voted "Professional of the Year" in the AIB Irish Golf Writers’ Awards (IGWA) for 2010.

The 31-year-old was the unanimous selection for the accolade, following a year in which saw him move to number seven in the world rankings after wins in the Wales Open, the US Open, the Andalucia Valderrama Masters and the Chevron World Challenge.

"I am deeply honoured to win this award and to see that Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington won in previous years confirms the strength of Irish golf at this time," said McDowell told the press.

"In fact, European golf is riding the crest of a wave at the moment with Lee Westwood’s move to number one in the world rankings and Martin Kaymer’s win at the US PGA Championship."

"This was a tremendous year for me personally and professionally. To win my first Major championship at Pebble Beach and then to bring home the team to victory at the Ryder Cup made this past season very special, the stuff of dreams. I’m now looking forward to some family time at home in Portrush before returning to the tour in Hawaii next month,” McDowell added.

"I would like to thank my family for their tremendous support through the years and also the team I have assembled, my caddie Ken Comboy, my coach Pete Cowen and my management at Horizon Sports, for all of their assistance in making 2010 such a great year."