Boonchu Ruangkit made a clean sweep of trophies at the European Senior Tour Annual Awards Dinner at Woburn Abbey on Thursday night as he picked up the 2010 John Jacobs Trophy, the 2010 Rolex Player of the Year Award and the 2010 Rookie of the Year Award.
Various sponsors, promoters, host venues, players and supporters of the Senior Tour were treated to a magnificent evening by their host, the Duke of Bedford, with delicious food, Bavaria beer and Follador wines courtesy of the Follador family.
On the eve of the first round of the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters and amidst the breath-taking surroundings of Woburn Abbey, the John Jacobs Trophy was presented to Ruangkit after he topped the 2010 Senior Tour Order of Merit on his debut season.
As a result, the Thai was also a deserving recipient of the Senior Tour Rookie of the Year award after a stunning season in which he picked up no less than four titles.
Speaking after he received the award from Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the Senior Tour, Ruangkit thanked his wife, his friends and the Senior Tour and said that his new found career on the European circuit “makes me feel young again”.
Jerry Bruner was also in the winner’s circle as he claimed the Lawrence Batley Award for the top player in the Order of Merit of 60 years or older and the veteran American made an emotional appearance on stage, struggling to find words after claiming the title for a third successive season.
Andy Stubbs said: “What a fantastic year 2010 was on the Senior Tour and we are delighted to present Boonchu Ruangkit with three awards after an incredible debut season.
“We are operating in difficult economic times, so to be able to continue to host great events at so many spectacular venues is something to be proud of. None of that would be possible without the continued support of our partners, sponsors and friends around the world. We are indebted to them all.
“We are also very grateful once again to the His Grace, the Duke of Bedford, for allowing us once again to host our awards in the spectacular grounds of Woburn Abbey.”
