Donald reclaims PGA top slot

Published time: 19 Mar, 2012 11:32 Edited time: 19 Mar, 2012 15:32

England's Luke Donald is the world number one in golf again. His playoff victory at the Transitions Championship in Florida was enough to oust Rory McIlroy from the top spot.

Donald rallied from a three-shot deficit on Sunday to card a five five-under 66 in the final round that forced a four man playoff, which he won over Jim Furyk, Robert Garrigus and Bae Sang-Moon on the first extra hole in Palm Harbor.

The Englishman recovered well from the rough, rolling the ball to within a few inches of the pin, and when the others missed their putts he just needed to hole his for a birdie and victory. He did just that to end McIlroy's two-week reign as number one.

Donald first claimed top spot in the world ranking last May by winning a playoff over Lee Westwood at Wentworth, and is now looking forward to the Masters next month.

Meanwhile, there has been a new winner on the European tour. Frenchman Julien Quesne hit a course-record final round of 64 during to claim the Andalucía Open. The 30-year-old finished two strokes ahead of Italian teenager Matteo Manassero.