In search of a three-peat at next week’s BMW PGA Championship, Luke Donald took a break from tournament preparations Friday to receive a high honor from Buckingham Palace.
Donald was awarded the MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), an honor bestowed upon civilians and service personnel for public service and other distinctions. The Englishman was noted for his work both on and off the golf course, having held the top spot in the Official World Golf Rankings for a total of 55 weeks in addition to helping organizations like the First Tee raise millions of dollars for junior golf.
‘I am truly honored to be awarded an MBE by her Majesty,’ Donald said in a released statement. ‘Both personally and professionally, 2011 and 2012 were very significant seasons for me and I’m touched that my accomplishments have been recognized in this way.’
Donald capped a career year in 2011, winning the money titles on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour. He went on to win twice in 2012, including a successful defense of his BMW title at Wentworth.
Friday Donald tweeted a picture of himself and his wife after receiving the award:
Thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony today, feeling very proud right now! http://t.co/mtzwSsnrYx
— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) May 17, 2013