Donald reclaims PGA top slot

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

Luke Donald of England holds the trophy after winning the Transitions Championship at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 18, 2012 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Sam Greenwood / Getty Images / AFP)

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.

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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.