Snedeker claims Heritage to deny Donald No. 1 rank
Source: Agencies |
April 26, 2011, Tuesday
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LUKE Donald lost this latest chance at No. 1, but he is confident he will get another opportunity.
Donald fell in a three-hole playoff at The Heritage on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, after Brandt Snedeker closed with a surprising 7-under 64 on Sunday. The 33-year-old Donald could have jumped up from No. 3, surpassing previously top-ranked Martin Kaymer and fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup partner, Lee Westwood, at No. 2. Instead, Westwood takes over the top spot after winning the Indonesian Masters earlier on Sunday.
"To be No. 1 would've been great, but it's not everything," Donald said. "It certainly would be a tick in the box and it would be something great to talk to the grandkids in 30 years' time and say that you were the best in the world, but I still have a lot of chances to do that."
Donald appeared on his way to the top after back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes pushed him to 13-under par and alone in front. But bogeys on the seventh and 10th holes dropped him back and he couldn't get back to that level the rest of the round.
It took stellar par saves on the 71st and 72nd holes simply to remain tied with Snedeker and force the playoff. The pair matched birdies and pars on the first two extra holes, and Snedeker secured the win with a two-putt par when Donald could not save par one last time from a bunker in front of the closing lighthouse hole, No. 18.
Snedeker, who played Donald at college level, has deep respect for the Match Play Championship winner's ability. When it ended, Snedeker counseled Donald to keep his chin up.
Right way
"I just told him he's going to be No. 1. Sorry it didn't go the right way for him," the 30-year-old said. "He's that kind of player."
Donald couldn't match Snedeker when it counted the most. Donald played the first 36 holes in 10 under to take the lead. He closed 70-70, giving the American the opening.
Snedeker survived against one of the world's best in a gritty three-hole playoff for his second career PGA Tour win and first since the 2007 Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, during his rookie season.
Donald lost after blasting out about 15 feet from the flag on the 18th and his chip for par from just off the green hit the back edge of the cup and bounced away.
Tommy Gainey finished alone in third, a stroke back after a 68.
At least Donald leaves No. 1 at something, making US$615,000 to top the PGA Tour money list. Snedeker earned US$1,026,000.
Westwood, 38, who was No. 1 for 17 weeks after deposing American Tiger Woods in November, ended Kaymer's brief eight-week reign at the top. The German did not play last week.
Donald fell in a three-hole playoff at The Heritage on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, after Brandt Snedeker closed with a surprising 7-under 64 on Sunday. The 33-year-old Donald could have jumped up from No. 3, surpassing previously top-ranked Martin Kaymer and fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup partner, Lee Westwood, at No. 2. Instead, Westwood takes over the top spot after winning the Indonesian Masters earlier on Sunday.
"To be No. 1 would've been great, but it's not everything," Donald said. "It certainly would be a tick in the box and it would be something great to talk to the grandkids in 30 years' time and say that you were the best in the world, but I still have a lot of chances to do that."
Donald appeared on his way to the top after back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes pushed him to 13-under par and alone in front. But bogeys on the seventh and 10th holes dropped him back and he couldn't get back to that level the rest of the round.
It took stellar par saves on the 71st and 72nd holes simply to remain tied with Snedeker and force the playoff. The pair matched birdies and pars on the first two extra holes, and Snedeker secured the win with a two-putt par when Donald could not save par one last time from a bunker in front of the closing lighthouse hole, No. 18.
Snedeker, who played Donald at college level, has deep respect for the Match Play Championship winner's ability. When it ended, Snedeker counseled Donald to keep his chin up.
Right way
"I just told him he's going to be No. 1. Sorry it didn't go the right way for him," the 30-year-old said. "He's that kind of player."
Donald couldn't match Snedeker when it counted the most. Donald played the first 36 holes in 10 under to take the lead. He closed 70-70, giving the American the opening.
Snedeker survived against one of the world's best in a gritty three-hole playoff for his second career PGA Tour win and first since the 2007 Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, during his rookie season.
Donald lost after blasting out about 15 feet from the flag on the 18th and his chip for par from just off the green hit the back edge of the cup and bounced away.
Tommy Gainey finished alone in third, a stroke back after a 68.
At least Donald leaves No. 1 at something, making US$615,000 to top the PGA Tour money list. Snedeker earned US$1,026,000.
Westwood, 38, who was No. 1 for 17 weeks after deposing American Tiger Woods in November, ended Kaymer's brief eight-week reign at the top. The German did not play last week.
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