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Wood seals rookie award

Youngster joins illustrious honours' list

Last updated: 25th November 2009

Wood: Third in the Open

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Englishman Chris Wood has joined an illustrious list of players by being named the Sir Henry Cotton rookie of the year.

Wood, who turns 22 on Thursday, finished 44th in the Race to Dubai with earnings of 679,559 euros to secure the title ahead of Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin (53rd) and England's Danny Willett (58th).

He joins the likes of Tony Jacklin, Sir Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Jose Maria Olazabal, Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia in winning the award, which is judged by the R&A, the Association of Golf Writers and European Tour.

"It is brilliant to win this award," he said. "Looking at the list of names who have won this title makes me appreciate that I am in good company, alongside people like Sir Nick Faldo, who is probably the greatest English golfer to play the game.

"I've had my eyes on winning the rookie crown all season, because it's something you only ever get one chance to win.

"Fortunately I've been lucky enough to do it thanks to some good results like The Open and some pretty consistent finishes."

Wood's performance at the Open Championship effectively sealed the win, after missing out on a play-off at Turnberry by a single stroke.

2010 Winner: Wood C 80/1