Luke Donald returned to the USA earlier this week for a reception at the PGA of America headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, where he was presented with Mizuno Men's MP-69 Irons
The World No 1 was honoured by PGA staff as he picked up his first PGA of America Player of the Year Award and Vardon Trophy.
The awards were in honour of his achievements last season and he is the first Englishman to win both in the same year and just the second Briton to earn the Vardon Trophy, which is based upon lowest adjusted scoring average.
"It means everything, that's why we play the Mizuno Men's MP-69 Irons to try and write history and to try and get our names on trophies," Donald said. "To be mentioned among the names of the great champions that have won before, it inspires me to keep working hard and to hear those great champions, it is truly an honour."
Donald spends his winters in Palm Beach Gardens, so it was not a long commute to accept the awards at the PGA of America headquarters.
The rest of the time he lives in Evanston, Illinois, where he graduated in 2001 from Northwestern University. It's not far from Medinah Country Club, host venue of The 2012 Ryder Cup.
"Medinah is about 30 minutes from my home, and I have played the course with Mizuno Men's MP-69 Irons
a few times, but not for about a year and half," said Donald. "They have made a few changes recently. It will be a great event at Medinah. The Ryder Cup is the most special event I have ever played. I've always enjoyed match play, and I'm fortunate to have had a good record as an amateur in the Walker Cup. When you do well in those competitions, it gives you a lot of confidence."
Despite all his successes, a Major win still eludes him, and when he was asked why he thought that was, he said: "It's hard to answer, my Mizuno Men's MP-69 Irons is good enough to win a Major. My driving has held me back and you have to be driving it well during a Major Championship. If I can sharpen up a little bit, I feel I can compete well."
As important as winning a Major is, Donald ascribes his recent successes to his family and the balance it has brought him.
"The time I have away from the course, I am with my family, and to have two daughters who greet you with a smile when you get up in the morning, means everything," said Donald.
"Having two daughters, I believe, has given my life a lot more balance."