Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose has been named on the Queen's New Year Honours list for 2017 after his success in Rio in August.
Rose is one of a number of Team GB Olympians who have been awarded the title of MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), for their triumphs in Rio de Janeiro during the summer.
"It's a huge honour," said Rose. "It's not something that I think you would ever expect, but it's something that I was hoping would happen after how everything went at the Olympics and being lucky enough to be so involved and win a gold medal.
"It's just kind of capped the whole Olympic experience for me really. To have been able to achieve what I did, and then to have your work recognised in this way, is incredible."
The 36 year old beat Open Champion, and Ryder Cup team-mate, Henrik Stenson by two shots in Rio, becoming the first golfer to win a gold medal in 112 years following its reintroduction to the Olympics in 2016.
His gold medal was one of 29 won by British athletes en route to their most successful Olympic games since 1908, winning a total of 67 medals.
"The Olympics was such a special experience," said Rose. "When it got going, all the negativity disappeared and people really loved it. It really resonated with the golfing public, which is what we need to do.
"We need to keep our fans happy and also grow the game at grass roots level and the Olympics can really help that."
Rose is keen not to rest on his laurels, however, and is determined to add to his 2013 US Open victory in next year's Major Championships.
He said; "My goals for 2017 are to put myself into real contention to win Major Championships again. Those are the tournaments that I want to win the most and the ones that I single out. I feel good about the year ahead and feel like I am trending towards that kind of form."
Sir Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association, said this year had been "remarkable and truly memorable" for Team GB.
He said: "To end on such a high with the Olympics recognised in the highest possible manner is testament to their historic achievements."
