Donald: chance to go to world number one
Luke Donald will go to world number one with victory in The Heritage at Hilton Head this week.
Donald, currently ranked three, will leap into top spot if he wins on the PGA Tour in South Carolina, even if Lee Westwood takes victory in the Asian Tour’s Indonesian Masters.
Westwood is currently ranked second to German Martin Kaymer, but there are more ranking points available at Hilton Head so it’s in Donald’s hands.
Kaymer has held top spot since the end of February when his run to the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play lifted him above Westwood.
Kaymer lost in the final of that tournament to Donald and could now lose the ranking list lead too.
Record
Donald will certainly fancy his chances at Hilton Head where his recent record is excellent.
Two years ago the Englishman closed with rounds of 65 and 66 on the weekend to finish runner-up – albeit a distant 10 shots behind winner Brian Gay.
And 12 months ago he finished tied third, three shots behind winner Jim Furyk.
Donald also goes into the event on a high after his excellent tied fourth place in The Masters at Augusta National, where he topped the tournament’s putting stats.
The 33-year-old shot 68-69-69 over the final 54 holes and finished with a birdie at the last after chipping in from off the green.
The one negative for Donald is that he hasn’t managed to win a strokeplay event on the PGA Tour since 2006.
His rivals for the title at Hilton Head this week include US Open champion Graeme McDowell, last year’s winner Jim Furyk and fellow Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter, Francesco Molinari, Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler.
Current standings:
1 Martin Kaymer 7.65pts
2 Lee Westwood 7.38
3 Luke Donald 7.02
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Donald eyes top spot