Clarke, McIlroy recognized for 2011 feats on Great Britain's Honors List

Few three-inch bogey putts are greeted quite as uproariously as the one that secured the 140th British Open for Darren Clarke. The popular Northern Irishman won a place in hearts around the world last summer as he defied the odds to win the most coveted prize in golf at the age of 42.

Now, five months on, he has been recognized in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year Honors List by being named an Office of the British Empire (OBE).

Clarke’s fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy also was honored, as he was named a Member of the British Empire (MBE) on the New Year Honors List.

The Orders of the British Empire honors were conceived during World War I as a way to acknowledge outstanding service to the war effort, and later were expanded to recognize British citizens making outstanding contributions in their specific fields or professions. The three ranks are Commander of the British Empire (CBE), followed by OBE and MBE.

"It is a great honor and a fantastic way to end a great year," Clarke said. "I am very proud for me and my family.''

Clarke's distinguished career was supposedly in its twilight, but he rolled back the years at Royal St. George's to capture his first major title in July. None could begrudge his success in what was his 20th attempt at the Open.

Clarke touched many when he performed heroically to help Europe win the Ryder Cup in Dublin in 2006, just weeks after the death of his wife Heather following a battle with breast cancer.

His down-to-earth manner, not to mention his fondness for a cigar or a pint, also made him a huge favorite with the public. His natural talent always suggested he had major titles in him, but they seemed to have eluded him.

That changed in 2011 as the weather played into his hands and his experience of links golf in difficult conditions came to the fore. He held off the challenge of two Americans in four-time major champion Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson on the final day to prevail, and walked off with the Claret Jug to begin long and hard-earned celebrations.

"I have had a fantastic year and this just caps it off," he said. "It is a privilege to be recognized with an OBE. It is a lot to take in.

"I could not have envisaged the year I have had. Winning the Open was obviously a dream come true, and it was at the 20th attempt. I had chances before and at 42 thought that maybe it was just not to be," he added. "It was a life-changing moment really and in many ways my feet have not touched the floor since. And now this.

"It reflects everything I have achieved in the game which makes me feel very proud."

McIlroy claimed the second major of the year at Congressional by an astounding eight shots in a tournament record score of 16-under-par 268.

"I am delighted to be named in the Queen's New Year Honors list," McIlroy said. "It is quite humbling to be included in such a list of worthy recipients. Many people on the Honors list have made huge personal sacrifices and contributed significantly to society during their lives. I feel very fortunate to be in their company."

McIlroy's U.S. Open win was all the more remarkable coming just two months after a demoralizing final-round meltdown at the Masters. He had started the last day at Augusta National with a four-stroke lead but shot 80 to finish in tied 15th.

Few doubted his talent, but many feared he might never recover from the blow to his confidence. To his credit, he put on a brave face, saying he would have many more opportunities to win majors.

He proved true to his word with his emphatic victory in Maryland. It was some statement of intent and a powerful endorsement of his ability.

Immediately the future assessments for his career changed from how they had read after Augusta. Most began to predict the sky -- in terms of trophies and earnings -- was the limit. And if he continues to fulfill his rich potential, many more prizes will follow.