Rory McIlroy has been named European Tour Golfer of the Year after defending his Race to Dubai crown.
It was a mixed year for McIlroy, who had three victories but spent a frustrating spell out of action after injuring an ankle playing soccer with friends shortly before the British Open.
MORE: Masters winners of 21st century | Jordan Spieth shares Masters locker with Arnold Palmer
McIlroy, 26, ended 2015 as European No. 1 after winning last month's World Tour Championship in Dubai, and the four-time major winner's exploits were enough to earn him another award.
"It is a huge honor for me to be named European Tour Golfer of the Year again," he said. "I feel very proud to have won this prestigious award for the third time — it is always special, no matter how often, to be recognized this way.
"After a good first half to the season, the injury was obviously a setback for me, so to finish the year strongly with my second victory in Dubai — plus picking up The Race to Dubai title again — was very satisfying.
"This was an objective I successfully fulfilled this season. To now win the Golfer of the Year award, too, is a great way to sign off the year. I am already looking forward to starting the new season and trying to achieve even more in 2016."
McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, finished the year No. 3 in world golf rankings. He won the Dubai Desert Classic and the WGC-Cadillac Match Play in 2015.