Louis Oosthuizen celebrates with caddie Wynand Stander after his albatross 2 on the par-5 second on his way to a runner-up finish at the US Masters. © Gallo Images

Louis Oosthuizen reacts to his missed birdie putt on the first extra hole during his playoff defeat to Bubba Watson at the US Masters. © Gallo Images

Bubba Watson plays THAT shot on the second playoff hole, securing his par on the 11th from deep in the trees to defeat Oosthuizen and earn the right to don the Masters green jacket. © Gallo Images

A welcome return to form for Tiger Woods in 2012, who carded three wins on his climb back up the world rankings. Here he celebrates one of the shots of the year - a chip-in on the par-3 16th - on his way to victory on the final day of the Memorial in June. © Gallo Images

Webb Simpson checks out the names on the US Open trophy after clinching a one-shot victory at the Olympic Club in June. Runner-up Graeme McDowell's name is already etched next to 2010. © Gallo Images

Without a victory in over two years, Ernie Els secured his fourth major title and second Open Championship with a one-shot victory over a faltering Adam Scott at Royal Lytham & St Anne's in July. © Gallo Images

Champion Ernie Els consoles Adam Scott after the Australian threw away a four-shot lead with six holes to play at the Open Championship. © Gallo Images

The world's golfing superstar at just 23... Rory McIlroy celebrates his second major title after an eight-shot PGA Championship victory at Kiawah Island in August. © Gallo Images

McIlroy's father Gerry gets an emotional hug after victory in the PGA Championship. © Gallo Images

To the victor the spoils. McIlroy with the Wanamaker Trophy after his record-setting eight-shot victory at the PGA Championship. © Gallo Images

Brandt Snedeker with both the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup trophies after clinching both in the final FedEx Cup playoff event of the season in September. © Gallo Images

It just brings something to golf that no other event can, and the emotion of the Ryder Cup is clearly demonstrated here as the Europeans celebrate yet another singles victory on one of the great days in the event's history © Gallo Images

The most intense pressure-putt ever? Martin Kaymer celebrates his five footer on the 18th for victory over Steve Stricker, ensuring Europe would at least retain the Ryder Cup after going into the singles 10-6 down. © Gallo Images

The biennial thorn in the USA's side. Ian Poulter embodies the spirit of the Ryder Cup, and his passion drives the Europeans on while simultaneously grating the Americans. He had a perfect 4-0-0 record in 2012. © Gallo Images

The European team celebrate their remarkable Ryder Cup victory, taking 8½ points in the singles on Sunday, Sept 30, to complete a 14½-13½ scoreline. Captain Olazabal invoked the spirit of Seve Ballesteros, and the late, great Spaniard would have been seriously impressed. © Gallo Images

A truly amazing year for Branden Grace, claiming four titles in his rookie year on the European Tour. Here he poses with the Alfred Dunhill Links trophy at St Andrews in October. © Gallo Images

The flame continues to burn for the likeable, 55-year-old German Bernhard Langer who once again won the money title on the Champions Tour, claiming two more victories to take his tally to 14. © Gallo Images

Another good year for David Frost, with the South African claiming two victories on the Champions Tour, and ninth spot on the money list. He also won the season-ending Tour Championship title on the European Seniors Tour. © Gallo Images

The last slot belongs to the star of the year, Rory McIlroy. Another major, No 1 in the world, both the US and Euro money lists, and a host of other awards. Oh, and a hot tennis-pro girlfriend. We can't wait for 2013... © Gallo Images