Justin Rose awarded with MBE after Olympic gold in 2016

Justin Rose didn’t have his best year in 2016, but he certainly had a memorable one, capped by winning the first men’s Olympic golf gold medal in 112 years.

Rose’s Rio triumph in a great duel against Henrik Stenson was one of the best tournaments of the year. Add that to his 2013 U.S. Open win and his other career accomplishments, including a European Tour order of merit title, and the 36-year-old had done enough in the eyes of the British crown to earn special recognition.

The Englishman was awarded with the distinction of being a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), which is part of the Order of the British Empire, an order of chivalry which rewards Brits for their accomplishments to society outside of civil service.

“It’s definitely an honor and something I was not expecting,” Rose said, according to Sky Sports. “It’s something you are maybe hoping for after the Olympics. It is something that has really capped off the whole Olympic experience for me.”

Unfortunately for Rose, a back injury kept him sidelined after the Ryder Cup, and the problem flared up again at the Hero World Challenge in December, forcing him to withdraw. However, Rose has his sights set on a successful and healthy 2017.

“I want to get back to winning positions in titles and major championships,” he said. “It was 2013 the last time I was able to win a major championship and I feel ready to get back in the winner’s circle.”