Eight-time European No. 1 Colin Montgomerie is in awe of Luke Donald becoming the first-ever player to win the money title on both sides of the Atlantic.

Donald wrapped-up the PGA Tour No. 1 title in sensational manner posting a final round to win the final event of the year.

This week Donald, who turns 34 on the eve of this week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship, will attempt to become the first player ever in the history to also win the European No. 1 in the same season.

Luke Donald this week looking to Tour CEO, George O'Grady shaking his hand as new European No. 1

Donald will go into this week’s final Race to Dubai event leading Germany’s Martin Kaymer by Stg 874,195 and with Kaymer needing to win to deny the Englishman.

“It would be a wonderful achievement that no one has ever managed before and Luke Donald has been the best player in the world this year,” said Monty.

“And deservedly so and he’s ranked accordingly.”

Monty captured seven European Order of Merit’s in succession from 1993 to 1999 and then an eighth six years later in 2005 when he headed then U.S. Open champion, Michael Campbell by Euro 300,000.

But then as it was pointed out to Monty, if Tiger Woods had of joined the European Tour early last decade he would have won the No. 1 title five to six times on both sides of ‘The Pond’.

“That’s right as Tiger would have won our European Tour Order of Merit by five million every year,” he said.

“I was the top European there for seven years running but I was not the top world player within Europe.

“Tiger was just winning everything a decade ago and looking at deeper he was literally winning the South African Order of Merit, the Asian Tour Order of Merit and every Order of Merit in the world given the four Majors count on all tours.

“But take nothing away from Luke as it’s nice as a member of both tours as Luke is that he can win both No. 1 titles and well done to him if he now looks like he will.”

And Justin Rose, who was European No. 1 in 2007, believes it fitting Donald creates a golfing first.

“I know Luke very well and what he’s achieved this year is super, super impressive,” said Rose.

“I have always believed it was possible to win the money list on both sides of the Atlantic, and it’s always been a dream to do that.

“But to play at that level across the world week-in and week-out is phenomenal.

“Luke’s only player 12 events in Europe and if he were to wrap it up is very impressive.  

“I would have thought if Luke does win, and let’s remember he hasn’t done it yet, he would have done so win winning at least one Major and a WGC event.

“But Luke’s looks like doing it winning just one WGC but then he’s been so consistent on both tours and to earn over 500 world ranking points in a season is very impressive.”