Edmond Named Top European Rookie

Frenchman Olivier Edmond has become the 34th recipient of the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award on the European tour.

The 28-year-old, who came through the tour's qualifying school at the fifth attempt, was joint second in the French Open and kept his card for 1999 by finishing 93rd on the Order of Merit with £69,269 pounds (around $110,000 ).

"It's a great honour -- a wonderful surprise," said Edmond, selected by a joint panel from the tour, the Association of Golf Writers and Sir Michael Bonallack, secretary of the Royal and Ancient Club and nominee of the late Sir Henry Cotton. "Some great players have received this award and I feel honoured to follow in their footsteps." Four previous winners -- Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle and José Maria Olazábal -- went on to become major champions.