Melbourne’s Nathan Holman is the European Tour’s rookie of the month for January.
Holman, 24, a member of Golf Australia’s rookie squad, won his way on to the Tour full time with a victory in the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines in December.
He has since made impressive strides, with a T35 in Qatar and a T26 in Dubai to consolidate his position in the top 10 of the season-long Race to Dubai.
“It’s a really big honour for me and it’s great to be recognised for my feats – it’s something I’m really proud of,” Holman said.
“I’ve got a bit of added attention on me now that I’ve won a tournament, being drawn in bigger groups at events, and I’m really enjoying it all.
“I’m playing with a bit more confidence knowing I can compete out here and that I belong.
“The win has definitely opened some doors – I’ve got The Open Championship coming up in the (northern) summer and a couple of World Golf Championships, so I’m looking forward to them very much.”
BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter, a member of the voting panel, said of Holman: “Professional golf is so competitive, as there are plenty of players who can win tournaments; but to bounce back from not earning a card at the qualifying school by winning a European Tour title, and doing so on home soil, is a great achievement.”