Media friendly McDowell recognised by US writers

 Graeme McDowell speaks to the media after the first round at the Irish Open at Carton House last year. Picture: Fran Caffrey / www.golffile.ie

No matter how much you might have irritated him during the year, Graeme McDowell will invariably put any lingering ill-feeling aside to offer another revealing insight into his world.

It's no surprise then that he has been named by the Golf Writers Association of America as the recipient of the ASAP Sports / Jim Murray Award for being accommodating to the media.

Graeme McDowell

Ken Duke and Rhonda Glen were also recognised by the GWAA for their achievements.

Duke, who made it to the PGA Tour at age 35 - 20 years after a metal rod was inserted in his back to treat scoliosis - won the Ben Hogan Award Presented by ISPS Handa for remaining active in golf despite a physical disability.

Glenn, considered the foremost authority on women's golf in America, was named winner of the William D. Richardson Award for consistently making outstanding contributions to golf.

Duke, Glenn and McDowell will be honoured at the annual GWAA Awards Dinner in Augusta, Ga., on April 9.