Luke Donald has successfully defended the BMW PGA Championship over the West Course at Wentworth. The Englishman finished four clear of Paul Lawrie and Justin Rose and returned to Number 1 on the Official World Golf Ranking.
Donald began the final round two shots clear of Rose but that gap was closed within just four holes of the final round. Donald wasn't flustered, however, and was able to pull away again. By the 10th, he was three clear of the field and wasn't seriously threatened on his run home to the finishing line.
Scotland's Paul Lawrie made an exciting charge through the middle part of his final round. He eagled the 4th hole, then further birdies at the 6th, 11th and 12th put him right into contention. A dropped shot at the 14th slowed him somewhat, but the 43-year-old finished strongly with birdies at the last two holes. He ended the week on an impressive total of 277: 11-under-par.
Donald's progress over the closing holes was inevitable as he came home in an excellent 3-under-par 34. In so doing, he secured his seventh European Tour victory. He is only the third player to successfully defend the PGA Championship, after Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie.
"To come and defend and get back to number one is very sweet indeed." he said. "I was just trying to keep my head down and plug away. I was swinging well and I've putted well all week."
"When you get on a bit of a run the confidence goes up and right now it's probably never been better," he said.
BMW PGA Championship Wentworth Club, Surrey, England 24-27 May, purse €4,500,000, par 72
