Rory McIlroy was presented with the Association of Golf Writers' Trophy ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The Northern Irishman was announced as the recipient for 2024 in December, but was in attendance at the Association of Golf Writers' dinner on Tuesday to receive the trophy.
McIlory's fifth victory is a record for an individual in the 74-year history of the award.
He previously claimed the trophy in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2022.
With victory at the DP World Tour Championship last season - for a record-equalling third time - he sealed a richly deserved sixth Race to Dubai title in emphatic fashion.
Across the 2024 campaign, during which he made 12 DP World Tour starts, McIlroy won twice on the Rolex Series, finished runner-up on four occasions, and recorded two further top five finishes.
McIlroy has won three titles worldwide so far this season, most notably at the Masters when he completed the career Grand Slam to become a five-time Major winner.
The World Number Two begins his bid for a second Claret Jug on Thursday, alongside Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood at 3:10pm.
