Golf review of 2015: Jordan Spieth, 'Gimmegate' & the year's other ups and downs

Golf's generational shift gathered unstoppable momentum in 2015 as Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy became the dominant stars at the top of the men's game. This youthful trio pushed the sport into a new era and established stars faded from prominence, with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson leading the retreat of the older order. It proved one of the most compelling periods in recent times and there was plenty that made 2015 memorable and significant.

Rory McIlroy plans busy 2016 start as he chases number one spot

Rory McIlroy will have a busier early-season schedule in 2016 than previous years as he aims to reclaim the world number one spot before the Masters. Northern Irishman McIlroy, 26, has dropped to three in the rankings behind Jordan Spieth and Jason Day but the margin between the top three is small. "If I can get off to a good start next year, I can get back to number one going into the Masters," said McIlroy. "I'm going to play two more tournaments leading up to Augusta in April." McIlroy played five events before this year's Masters, where he finished a career-high fourth at the event as closing rounds of 68 and 66 left him six shots behind American Spieth.

Rory McIlroy plans busy 2016 start as he chases number one spot

Rory McIlroy will have a busier early-season schedule in 2016 than previous years as he aims to reclaim the world number one spot before the Masters. Northern Irishman McIlroy, 26, has dropped to three in the rankings behind Jordan Spieth and Jason Day but the margin between the top three is small. "If I can get off to a good start next year, I can get back to number one going into the Masters," said McIlroy. "I'm going to play two more tournaments leading up to Augusta in April." McIlroy played five events before this year's Masters, where he finished a career-high fourth at the event as closing rounds of 68 and 66 left him six shots behind American Spieth.

Dan Carter wins 2015 Overseas award

Rugby World Cup-winning fly-half Dan Carter has been named 2015 Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. He beat Novak Djokovic, Katie Ledecky, Usain Bolt, Jordan Spieth and Serena Williams after the award was decided by a public vote for the first time. Carter, 33, was an integral part of the New Zealand team that beat Australia 34-17 to win the World Cup in October. The highest ever points scorer in Test rugby, he won the World Player of the Year award for a third time in 2015. "I'm thrilled to have been voted Overseas Sports Personality of the Year by the UK public," said Carter. "It's been an incredible year for me on British soil and the support has been phenomenal.