World number one Scottie Scheffler has been named PGA Tour Player of the Year, finishing ahead of Rory McIlroy and Cameron Smith.
Scheffler received 89 per cent of the vote from PGA Tour members, having picked up four wins in six starts during a stunning eight-week period that began with his WM Phoenix Open win in February and was capped off by his Masters victory in April.
The 26-year-old also finished runner-up at four other events during the season and becomes the first player to win the Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year, PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year.
"Undoubtedly, one of the highest compliments a player can receive is the endorsement from his peers, and the fact that Scottie's season was both dominant and consistent spoke volumes to the membership," PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said.
"As gratifying as it has been to see his development on the course over the last several years, we are equally thankful that Scottie has embraced the role as an ambassador of the PGA Tour and the game of golf.
"With young stars like Scottie leading the way, the PGA Tour is in great hands for many years to come." After being presented with the award, a visibly emotional Scheffler began to choke up.
"That's pretty cool," he said. "I don't have much to say. I definitely was not expecting that. But it means a lot to me."
McIlroy, meanwhile, won the CJ Cup, RBC Canadian Open and FedExCup this season as well as being the only player to finish in the top ten in all four majors. However, he was quick to pay tribute to Scheffler as a worthy winner of the Jack Nicklaus award.
"He deserves this maybe more than I deserve it," McIlroy admitted. "He played an unbelievable season.
"Hell of a player, hell of a competitor. Even better person. Love his family."
