LONDON (AP)—Northern Irish golf stars Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy areamong the sports figures honored by Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year list,after claiming their first major titles.
The 43-year-old Clarke was made an Officer of the Order of the BritishEmpire after ending his long wait for a major victory by winning the BritishOpen at Royal St. George’s.
“It is a great honor and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am veryproud for me and my family,” Clarke said. “It was a life-changing momentreally and in many ways my feet have not touched the floor since. And nowthis.”
