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England's Luke Donald has been named the European Tour Golfer of the Year, two days after scooping the PGA Tour's player of the year award.

The world number one finished the season at the top of the money lists in both the United States and Europe.

Donald, who sealed the double with third at the Dubai World Championship, is the first Briton to win the US players' poll since it started in 1990.

"Everyone dreams of having a year like this," said the 34-year-old Donald.

"It is always nice to be appreciated, especially from the people in the sport who know the game inside out."

His European award from a panel of writers and broadcasters came despite Rory McIlroy becoming the youngest US Open champion since 1923, Darren Clarke the oldest Open champion since 1967 and Charl Schwartzel winning the Masters.

"Rory's win at Congressional was amazing, as was Darren's success in the Open, while Charl birdieing the final four holes to win the Masters was a truly magical moment in golf," said Donald.

"Therefore, to be given the vote ahead of these great players who also had great years is very special indeed."

Donald won four times in 2011, twice in the United States and twice in Europe - the Scottish Open and flagship BMW PGA Championship. He also had 14 top-10 finishes in 19 PGA Tour events.

His biggest win in the United States came in the World Golf Championship Match Play event in which he beat one of his predecessors in the world number one slot,

Donald will complete his season at the Australian Masters, which starts on Thursday, but in a total of 26 tournaments so far this season he has missed only two cuts and registered a remarkable 20 top-10 finishes.

The only other time a European has won the award since 1990 is when Ireland's Padraig Harrington took the honour in 2008.

US PGA champion Keegan Bradley scooped the PGA Tour rookie of the year award after being shortlisted for the main prize along with fellow Americans Bill Haas, Webb Simpson and Nick Watney.