NAILSEA'S Chris Wood has been named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year after a solid first full season on the European Tour.

The Long Ashton Golf Club youngster could only manage a tie for 42nd place at the season finale Dubai World Championship at the weekend but still finished the season 44th in the European Tour rankings.

And he was boosted with the news yesterday that he has won the prestigious award, which is judged by the R&A, the Association of Golf Writers and the European Tour.

Wood, who has climbed to 71st in the Official World Golf Ranking, is the 21st English golfer to win the award since its inception in 1960.

"It is brilliant to win this award," said Wood.

"Looking at the list of names who have won this title makes me appreciate that I am in good company, alongside people like Sir Nick Faldo, who is probably the greatest English golfer to play the game.

"It's great to see my name on the same list as Sir Nick and some of the more recent winners like Paul Casey, Nick Dougherty and Ian Poulter.

"I've had my eyes on winning the rookie crown all season, because it's something you only ever get one chance to win.

"Fortunately I've been lucky enough to do it thanks to some good results like The Open and some pretty consistent finishes.

"I feel I've been able to step into the professional ranks quite easily.

"The experiences of Birkdale and Turnberry have helped and also getting my card at the Tour School at PGA Golf de Catalunya.

"Now I am closing in on the top 50 in the world and that must be a big goal in 2010. It opens a lot of doors to the majors and the other top events."

Wood has also been nominated for the BBC West Sports Personality of the Year award.

Voting closes on Saturday and details of how to vote can be found on the BBC website.

Clevedon Golf Club's John Morgan suffered disappointment at the European Tour Qualifying School as he failed to make it to the final stage.

He was well off the pace as he battled for one of 19 qualifying places available from the second stage event at Arcos Gardens.