DUBLIN - World No1 Luke Donald of England played for the first time since taking over the top spot in the golfing rankings yesterday in the Memorial, a R42million US PGA event hosted by Jack Nicklaus.
Donald, compatriot Lee Westwood and Germany's Martin Kaymer have all been atop the rankings in the past three weeks, setting the stage for a shoot-out in the final major tune-up event for the US Open in two weeks outside Washington.
With former World No1 Tiger Woods now fallen to 13th in the rankings and in the 19th month of a win drought since the scandal of his sex life was exposed, the top spot has again become an achievement within reach for many.
Donald said he feels like he is the top player in the world as he makes final preparations for the US Open and what he hopes will be his first major title. He sees the top ranking and a major title as different feats.
"Being ranked No1 is self-satisfactory in terms of you feel good about what you've done," he said.
Donald took the top spot by winning a play-off over Westwood last Sunday at the European Tour's PGA Championship at Wentworth in England.
He will play the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in a quest for the R7,5million top prize alongside the past two masters winners, US star Phil Mickelson and reigning champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Players Championship winner KJ Choi of South Korea are among those in a world-class field that lacks Woods, who is recovering from left knee and Achilles tendon injuries.
Early threat to Donald's new crown
DUBLIN - World No1 Luke Donald of England played for the first time since taking over the top spot in the golfing rankings yesterday in the Memorial, a R42million US PGA event hosted by Jack Nicklaus.
Donald, compatriot Lee Westwood and Germany's Martin Kaymer have all been atop the rankings in the past three weeks, setting the stage for a shoot-out in the final major tune-up event for the US Open in two weeks outside Washington.
With former World No1 Tiger Woods now fallen to 13th in the rankings and in the 19th month of a win drought since the scandal of his sex life was exposed, the top spot has again become an achievement within reach for many.
Donald said he feels like he is the top player in the world as he makes final preparations for the US Open and what he hopes will be his first major title. He sees the top ranking and a major title as different feats.
"Being ranked No1 is self-satisfactory in terms of you feel good about what you've done," he said.
Donald took the top spot by winning a play-off over Westwood last Sunday at the European Tour's PGA Championship at Wentworth in England.
He will play the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in a quest for the R7,5million top prize alongside the past two masters winners, US star Phil Mickelson and reigning champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Players Championship winner KJ Choi of South Korea are among those in a world-class field that lacks Woods, who is recovering from left knee and Achilles tendon injuries.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos