Rory McIlroy’s US Open win has been recognized again – by European golf fans.

The Ulster golfer has just won the European Tour’s shot of the year on the back of his Major breakthrough.

Golf fans all across the continent have voted his magical US Open six iron the shot of the year for 2011.

The sublime six iron to the tenth green during the final round of the US Open Championship at Congressional was near perfect.

The towering six iron from 216 yards on the par three tenth hole at Congressional came to rest just a few inches from the hole.

The shot also won the monthly award, one of three wins for McIlroy over the year.

“I thought that shot was probably the most important in the round because YE Yang had just stuck it in there close, so to follow that shot up with mine was pretty cool,” said McIlroy.

“I had a big lead at that stage but there was always the chance that if I had hit it in the water or done something silly and YE had made his birdie then it would have put a bit of pressure on me.

“As it turned out the six iron I hit in there worked out perfectly and I could afford to relax a bit on the back nine and try to take in as much of the experience of winning my first Major as I could.

“By the time I reached the turn that Sunday, the amount of people surrounding that clubhouse area with the 10th tee box and green was just unbelievable.  There was such a buzz around the place. 

When I stuck my six iron that close, and the roar that followed, it’s a feeling I will never forget.

“Obviously I am delighted that shot has been voted The 2011 European Tour Shot of the Year – it is always special to win an award voted for by the general public and hopefully I can produce a few more of those in 2012!”

With 30 per cent of the vote, McIlroy was the overwhelming winner of the Shot of the Year.

Miguel Angel Jiménez attracted 21 per cent of the vote to take second place for his fearless second shot into the infamous par five 17th at Valderrama in the Andalucía Masters in October, a 250-yard five wood that left the Spaniard with only a ten-foot putt for eagle.

McIlroy also took third place with 12 per cent of the vote for his December effort – a majestic bunker shot on the 72nd hole of the UBS Hong Kong Open that found the bottom of the cup and secured the 22-year-old his third European Tour career victory.