Northern Irish golfers Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy are among the sports figures honored by Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year list, after claiming their first major titles in 2011.
The 43-year-old Clarke was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire after ending his long wait for a grand-slam victory by winning the British Open at Royal St. George's.
"It is a great honor and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am very proud for me and my family," Clarke said. "It was a life-changing moment really and in many ways my feet have not touched the floor since. And now this."
Clarke lifted the claret jug weeks after the 22-year-old McIlroy stormed to an eight-shot win at the U.S. Open at Congressional, becoming the second-youngest player to win a major since 1934.
McIlroy was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.
"It is quite humbling to be included in such a list of worthy recipients," McIlroy said. "Many people on the honors list have made huge personal sacrifices and contributed significantly to society during their lives. I feel very fortunate to be in their company."
With less than seven months to go before the start of the 2012 Olympics in London, two men involved in the organization of the games received knighthoods.
Charles Allen, who is a board member on the London Organizing Committee, and John Armitt, the chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority who is recognized for services to engineering and construction, both become sirs.
World taekwondo champion Sarah Stevenson, who will be one of Britain's leading medal prospects in London, receives an MBE at the end of a year in which both her parents died.
Former Formula One world champion Nigel Mansell was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to children and young people.
The 58-year-old Mansell, who also won the IndyCar championship, is the president of UK Youth, a charity which provides tools to help build young people's self-esteem, aptitude and skills.
Rugby union players Chris Paterson of Scotland and Martyn Williams of Wales, who have both won 100 test caps, were both made MBEs, as was England rugby league captain Jamie Peacock.