Left-hander Steve Flesch, 31, of Union, Ky., was officially named winner of the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year at the annual awards banquet Friday in St. Augustine, Fla.
"My goal at the start of this year was simply to improve my game and learn what it takes to succeed out here," said Flesch, who became the first to win the rookie award without winning an event. He finished 35th on the money list. "I've exceeded all my expectations and am thrilled to death. I've proven to myself I can play on the PGA Tour. I want to have solid years to follow."
Mark O'Meara, 41, the oldest man to win two majors in the same year, won the Jack Nicklaus Award over David Duval as the player of the year in voting by the players.
Hale Irwin swept the Senior Tour awards: the Nicklaus player of the year as well Arnold Palmer and Byron Nelson awards for leading the money list and having the lowest scoring average.
Comeback players of the year were Scott Verplank and senior Jim Colbert. Joe Inman won the senior rookie award. Bob Burns was the Nike Tour player of the year.
