McIlroy in lead for PGA Player of the Year Award, trails for Vardon Trophy

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Rory McIlroy, who staged a summer blitz with victories in the Open Championship and PGA Championship, is on track to win his second PGA of America Player of the Year Award in three years and possibly a second Vardon Trophy. The PGA of America’s premier season-ending awards for excellence by a PGA Tour professional will be decided during the next month.

McIlroy captured the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational between his Open and PGA Championship triumphs, and is No. 1 on the money list. To earn a second Vardon Trophy, McIlroy must first complete the minimum 60 rounds, and surpass Vardon Trophy leader Sergio Garcia, who has completed 49 rounds and leads in lowest adjusted season scoring average at 68.858. McIlroy’s adjusted scoring average is 68.874.

Overall, McIlroy has collected 158 Player of the Year points, based upon 70 points for his three victories; 50 bonus points for garnering two major titles; 20 for leading the money list and 18 for his current position in the Vardon Trophy race. Reigning U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer is a distant second in the Player of the Year standings with 60 total points; followed by Masters champion Bubba Watson with 58; and triple-event winner Jimmy Walker with 52.

2014 PGA Player of the Year Standings

The PGA of America has honored the game’s best players with the PGA Player of the Year Award since 1948. The award is presented to the top touring professional based on a point system for tournament wins, official money standings and scoring averages. Points for the 2013-14 season began with the Frys.com Open on Oct. 13, and continue through the Tour Championship, which concludes Sept. 14.

Since 1937, the Vardon Trophy, named by the PGA of America in honor of legendary British golfer Harry Vardon, is awarded annually to the touring professional with the lowest adjusted scoring average. It is based on a minimum of 60 rounds, with no incomplete rounds, in events co-sponsored or designated by the PGA Tour. The adjusted score is computed from the average score of the field at each event.

The PGA Tour also recognizes its annual Player of the Year, with the winner determined by a vote of the membership. The voting period commences after the conclusion of the Tour Championship. The PGA Tour Player of the Year, who receives the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, will be announced prior to the start of the 2014-15 season.