Over the past 12 months, Luke Donald has climbed up from 18th in the world rankings to reach the summit thanks to his victory over Lee Westwood at the BMW PGA Championship.Here FanHouse UK charts the Englishman's rise, looking at his 10 most important performances.
BMW PGA Championship, May 2010; World Ranking: 13, Finished: Tied 2nd
Donald looked assured of victory until the 17th hole on the final day when he clattered his tee shot into the trees. His double-bogey proved costly, as it threw the advantage to Simon Khan, who was only playing in the event after a last minute invite from one of the sponsors. Donald had to settle for a share of second with Fredrik Andersson Hed.
Madrid Masters, May 2010; World Ranking: 9, Finished: 1st
Donald made amends for his error at Wentworth and went one better in Spain to move into the top 10 in the world. He finished with a one-shot victory over Welshman Rhys Davis. Donald made a closing 67 thanks to his 252-yard approach shot at the 16th that went to within 12 feet.
Deutsche Bank Championship, September 2010, World Ranking: 8, Finished: Tied 2nd
Donald could not prevent an in-form Charley Hoffman from taking the title on the PGA Tour. Hoffman closed with a round of 62 that earned him victory over Donald and Geoff Ogilvy by five shots. The defeat for Donald meant he had not won on the PGA Tour since 2006.
THE TOUR Championship, September 2010; World Ranking: 8, Finished: 2nd
Another bridesmaid's spot for Donald as he finished runner-up to Jim Furyk at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. It was the 10th time he had finished second on the PGA Tour. He was beaten to victory by the American by one shot, despite equaling Furyk's final day total of level par 70.
The Ryder Cup, October 2010; World Ranking: 8,
Although there were no world ranking points available for the competition against the Americans, Donald gave his reputation and confidence a major boost with an excellent performance over the four days. He won three of his four matches, including his singles match with Furyk, and was the European Team's leading point-scorer.
WGC Accenture Match Play Championship, February 2011; World Ranking: 3, Finished: 1st
Donald shot up to third in the world rankings thanks to his 3 and 2 victory over Martin Kaymer in Tucson. Donald played through snow, hail and brilliant sunshine as the weather did its best to unsettle the 33-year-old, yet he held his nerve to record his first win in the United States for five years to land the £820,000 first prize.
The Masters, April 2011; World Ranking: 3, Finished: Tied 4th
A respectable tied fourth finish was Donald's reward for a solid fourth round at Augusta, as South African Charl Schwartzel won the green jacket with a 14 under par total - four shots ahead of Donald, Ogilvy and Tiger Woods. Donald's highlight was holing his chip at the last on Sunday.
The Heritage, April 2011; World Ranking: 3, Finished: 2nd
Donald came unstuck in a play-off with Brandt Snedeker. The American produced an excellent final round with seven birdies in his first 12 holes to force a play-off with Donald. Yet on the extra hole, the Englishman found a bunker at the 18th and Snedeker took advantage to deny Donald the chance to replace Kaymer at the top of the rankings.
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