As 2011 comes to an end, we look back over a remarkable year in golf, including: Masters misery for McIlroy, dominance by Luke Donald, Rory’s return at the US Open, Darren Clarke dazzling at The Open and debut delight for Keegan Bradley in the US PGA Championship.

Rory led from the first tee at Augusta, but went into meltdown during the final nine-holes of the tournament. This resulted in a charge from heavyweights Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Luke Donald. However, it was relative underdog, Charl Schwartzel who took the green jacket after closing out with four straight birdies.

At the BMW PGA Championship in May, Lee Westwood and Donald went down to the wire to decide who would be World Number One. After one extra hole, Donald’s dogged determination saw him take the title.

His dominance continued and having topped the American money list, he is the first man ever to have the opportunity to finish the year topping the European money list as well. He currently stands some €1m ahead of his closest rival, Martin Kaymer.

No matter what the outcome, McIlroy’s performance was always going to be scrutinised at the US Open in June. A remarkable return from Rory saw him take the title at Congressional CC by eight shots.

The luck of the Irish continued at Royal St George’s where Darren Clarke delighted fans by winning the Claret Jug.

The final major of the year didn’t disappoint in the wake of the rollercoaster events preceding it. Making his first appearance in any major, Keegan Bradley not only took the title, but also the dubious accolade of being the first golfer to win a major using a belly-putter.

Sadly 2011 will forever be remembered as the year that golf said its sad farewell to a legend, Seve Ballesteros.