Golf News

LEAD: Donald makes history in Dubai

Dec 11, 2011, 13:06 GMT

Dubai - World number one Luke Donald on Sunday made golfing history by topping the 2011 European money list.

Donald had earlier won the US money list after winning 6,683,214 dollars from 19 tournaments and he is the first player to top both the PGA and the European Tour money list in the same season.

The 34-year-old won 4,216,226 euros (5,646,370 dollars) in the Race to Dubai, which is the European Tour money list.

On Sunday the Englishman finished the Dubai World Championship in third place on 16-under, three behind Spain's Alvaro Quiroz and one behind Paul Lawrie.

Donald finished the final round with a 66 for a tournament total of 272.

He said he was thinking of his father Colin, who passed away just over a month ago. 'He would be incredibly proud of me. He would not say much, just give me a big hug.

'I have been thinking about topping both lists for the last half of season. I did not think it was possible and I knew it was never going to be an easy week.

'But it capped off an amazing season.'

Donald, who tops the world rankings although he is yet to win a major, said he was hoping that he would be able to do that soon. 'I think my experience here will help me achieve that. I would love to pick up a major.'

Going into the tournament in Dubai, Donald was leading the European money list from world number two Rory McIlroy, who needed to win to overtake Donald, who turned professional in 2001, at the top.

However, once McIlroy finished his final round with a one-under 71, it was clear that he was out of contention and Donald closed the round with a hat-trick of birdies to ensure his place in golfing history.

By winning the European Tour money board, Donald also receives 1.5 million dollar from the Race to Dubai bonus pool.

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