Coming into the final Fall Series event, Luke Donald knew he would probably have to win the tournament to have a shot at winning the 2011 PGA Tour money title.Trailing by two at the turn behind Webb Simpson, the Englishman proceeded to go on a birdie barrage to pass the field and take home not only the tournament victory, but the money title as well.
Donald, who did not play the par-fives particular well this week, bogeyed the par-five eighth hole and many thought that would be it for him and his shot at the win and the money title.
What he did next was a performance that showed everyone why he is the world's No. 1 player.
"Just looking for that one run to get on to. You know, Lordy, my caddie this week, texted me last night. He says, it's not over yet. We still haven't got on a run. I had made a couple of birdies here and there, but had never really gotten on a streak of some real momentum building."
"When I birdied 10, 11, 12, I felt like that run was coming. Obviously the putts on 14 and 15 were huge. You know, those were bonuses. When things are going your way, that tends to happen."
Things were definitely going his way this afternoon in Walt Disney World.
This victory gave him his second win in 2011 on the PGA Tour and secured the money title for him as well.
Donald also received the Vardon Trophy for having the lowest adjusted scoring average for the year. It may also have very well swayed some votes for Player of the Year.
He ended the event with a two shot win over Justin Leonard with a score of 17-under, after his spectacular final round of 64 today.
When asked if he had set goals for this year and if he had reached those goals, Donald had this to say.
"I've met most of my expectations. Certainly, you know, I don't think -- and exceeded them probably. I don't think getting to No. 1 and holding onto it and extending my lead and winning four times now, you know, obviously that's a pretty good year."
"Obviously the only disappointing part of the year I suppose is not winning a major. But I'll keep persevering and giving myself opportunities."
By capturing the PGA Tour money title, Donald has also given himself a chance at golfing history.
He currently leads Rory McIlroy by $1.8-million on the European money list and could become the first player to ever win the money titles on both tours in the same year.
In a magical place where 'Dreams Come True', Donald certainly gave us a magical performance in this final round to leave little doubt why he is the No. 1 player in the world. Starting on No. 10, Donald went on to birdie six straight holes and went from being five strokes off the lead to two up on the field.
In his post round press conference, he was asked about his performance on the back nine. And if he knew he was moving up the leader board.
No comments:
Post a Comment