HomeNewsTrendsSportsLuke Donald crowned world number 1 after PGA playoff win

Luke Donald crowned world number 1 after PGA playoff win

Luke Donald replaced Lee Westwood as world number one after beating his fellow Briton in a titanic final-day shootout that went to a playoff in the PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday.

May 30, 2011 / 10:50 IST

Luke Donald replaced Lee Westwood as world number one after beating his fellow Briton in a titanic final-day shootout that went to a playoff in the PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday.


After the pair had finished 72 holes tied on 278 - six under par - Donald produced a birdie four at the first extra hole to pick up the first prize of 750,000 euros (USD 1.07 million).


Donald, who started the week ranked second in the world, struck a majestic wedge at the 18th and the ball spectacularly spun back to finish eight feet from the hole to loud cries from the West Course crowd of 'Luke, Luke, Luke'.


Westwood played an almost replica wedge shot but his ball unluckily spun back into the moat at the front of the green and his hopes of remaining at the top of the rankings were effectively ruined.


Donald, who began the round in a tie for the lead with Italian teenager Matteo Manassero, struggled off the tee all day but managed to scramble his way to a one-under 70 on another tough day for scoring at the European Tour's flagship event.


Westwood, playing in the match ahead, notched five birdies in a 68 and had the chance to win the coveted trophy at the 72nd hole when he missed a six-foot putt.

Britain's Simon Dyson (69) took third place on 280 and Australian Marcus Fraser, Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin and Ireland's Shane Lowry shared fourth spot on 282.

first published: May 30, 2011 08:19 am

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347