Player Profile - Luke Donald

As the 2011 season officially ends in the United States and Europe, Britain's Luke Donald has emerged at the top of the game. Ending the season as world number one, Donald also enjoys the top spot on both the US PGA Tour and European Tour's money lists for 2011. This week, we trace this great golfer's rise this season.

For 34-year-old Donald, victory on the golf course is hardly a new experience. Since making his professional debut a decade ago, the talented player has been steadily accumulating wins on both sides of the Atlantic. With five championship titles to his name prior to this season, Donald's experience on the course set the stage for his explosive performance in 2011.

In February of this year, Donald burst onto the scene with a win at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, beating Germany's Martin Kaymer to lift the trophy. After a few near-misses, the Briton was in top form again at the BMW PGA Championship where he beat Lee Westwood to win. This win elevated Donald to world number one for the first time.

Defending his position at the top of international golf, Donald was again victorious at the Barclay's Scottish Open. A fourth place at the Open Championship set him in motion for a final win at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic in October. This victory sealed his place at the top of the US PGA Tour's money list. With this accolade in hand, Donald set his sights on a double whammy - topping both the American and European rankings in the same year.

On Sunday, Donald attained this goal as his third place in Dubai placed him at the top of the European Tour's Order of Merit. The highest ranked player in the world, Luke Donald is now also the top earner on both sides of the Atlantic.

Golfweather Editorial