Luke Donald left no doubt who was number one on Sunday. Donald made ten birdies in his final round at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic to come from behind and win. His final score of 17-under was two strokes better than Justin Leonard who held a share of the lead coming into the final round.
(Luke Donald came from behind to win his second event of the season.)
The win caps off a great season which saw Donald hold the number one spot in the Official World Golf Rankings for the majority of the year. This victory is his second on the PGA TOUR this season, his first came back in February when he took home the Accenture Match Play title. Donald finishes the season with two wins, two second places finishes and two third place finishes. He added eight additional top 10 finishes in just 19 starts this season.
Show Me The Money
Coming into the final event Donald needed to earn $363,030 more than Webb Simpson to take home the PGA TOUR's Money List Title. Simpson took the lead last week from Donald when he finished second at the McGladrey Classic last week and it seemed unlikely Donald would be able to take the lead back from Simpson who had finished with six top 10's in his previous eight starts.
Coming into the final round on Sunday Simpson lead Donald by a stroke and seemed to be in control of his destiny. It wasn't Donald ran off six consecutive birdies to star the back nine did it look like Donald could pull it out. In the end, the win earned Donald $846,000, $698,890 more than Simpson who finished in a tie for sixth. In 19 starts this season Donald earned $6,683,214.
While Donald solidified his number one ranking, the debate can now shift towards the PGA TOUR's awards. Luke Donald will look to win Player of the Year while Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley have made it difficult for anyone to pick a Rookie of the Year winner.
Nice write up! I was rooting for Luke !!!!
Posted by: Bill C | 10/24/2011 at 10:46 AM