Henrik Stenson has been crowned the European Golfer of the Year for 2016 following a campaign that saw him claim a maiden Major title at The Open.

The 40-year-old picks up the award for a second time, ending Rory McIlroy's two-year hold on the individual accolade that he last claimed in 2013.

Stenson overcome Phil Mickelson in a record-breaking manner at Royal Troon, while also triumphing in the BMW International Open and winning the Race to Dubai for the first time in three years.

There was also a silver medal at the Rio Olympics for the Swede, but there was a twinge of disappointment as Europe fell to a 17-11 defeat at the hands of USA at Hazeltine in this year's Ryder Cup.

"It has certainly been the best season of my career and to now be voted the European Tour Golfer of the Year for a second time is a fantastic way to bring the curtain down on it," he said upon collecting the award.

"To win the Claret Jug, a silver medal at the Olympics, the Race to Dubai and now this means 2016 was a very special year for me, and I am very proud of what I have achieved. There have been some great golfers who have won this award, and many more who just missed out over the years, so to receive it twice now is a huge honour.

"You can argue that my consistency was a touch higher in 2013, but in 2016 I produced my best performances at key moments, so it will go down as the best year I have had and this award is a very nice way to end it."

Stenson posted 11 top-10 finishes on the tour in all, despite having to contend with an injury to his right knee.