Luke Donald declared regaining the World No. 1 title was a consolation after finishing third in Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Donald had only to finish top 10 on the TPC Louisiana course to unseat Rory McIlroy for a third occasion since the Englishman went to World No. 11 nearly a year ago in defeating Lee Westwood in the BMW PGA at Wentworth.
Luke Donald declares it a 'consolation' returning to World No. 1 (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However Donald again displayed his enormous consistency in finishing two strokes behind the duo of American Jason Dufner and South African Ernie Els who ended the event tied at 19-under par.
Dufner, the runner-up in last year’s PGA Championship, then captured his first PGA Tour title in his 164th start and just six days before he gets married.
In contrast, Donald felt more like the bridesmaid despite moving back to the leading world ranked player.
“It’s a nice consolation, going back and forth a little bit,” said Donald.
“Rory’s turn next week at Quail Hollow and his chance to get it back. But it’s always a nice feeling. It’s a consolation this week. Obviously a slow start for me but, you know, this is the third time getting back to No. 1.
“It wasn’t really on my mind that much like the first time I was able to get to No. 1. But certainly very proud of being No. 1 and we’ll have to see. Rory’s turn is next week to try and get it back.
“Thoughts of going back to No. 1 was a little bit of motivation to try and play well today but the main focus was trying to win the tournament.
“But then I want to try and be No. 1. That’s always your goal. I’m in a position to try and do that. It’s nice to come in here and do that. I need to get back there. Wasn’t a win but still, it was a good solid week and I moved forward.”
Donald will have this week off and not contest the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow and that gives McIlroy the opportunity to unseat Donald as the Northern Irishman is returning to competition first a first time since his disappointing showing in the Masters.
McIlroy stormed to his first PGA Tour success two years ago in winning at Quail Hollow however he will be looking for a better showing than last year when he missed the cut in the defence of his title.
And the curly-haired Northern Irishman will only need to finish inside the top-five to World No. 1 for the third time in 10 weeks.
And McIlroy refused to get involved in ‘twitter’ debate with Donald simply saying: “Just arrived in Charlotte. One of my favourite weeks of the year! First PGA tour win back in 2010 so great memories on a great golf course!”
