Luke Donald's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Luke Donald. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Luke Donald is an English professional golfer renowned for reaching the world number one ranking. He competes primarily on the PGA Tour in the United States and also holds membership on the European Tour. His career highlights include multiple PGA and European Tour victories, showcasing his consistent performance and precision on the course.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1986: Official World Golf Ranking Inception

In 1986 the Official World Golf Ranking was established. Luke Donald was the third Englishman to hold the number one position in the Official World Golf Ranking since its inception.

1999: Wins NCAA Championship

In 1999, Luke Donald won the individual NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships men's title, beating the scoring record formerly held by Tiger Woods.

2000: Wins Chicago Open as Amateur

In 2000, Luke Donald became the first amateur to win the Chicago Open.

November 2002: Wins First PGA Tour Title

In November 2002, Luke Donald won his maiden title on the PGA Tour at the Southern Farm Bureau Classic, which was shortened to 54 holes due to rain. He became the 11th rookie in PGA Tour history to earn over $1 million in his first season.

2004: European Tour Wins & Ryder Cup

In 2004, Luke Donald won the Omega European Masters and the Scandinavian Masters on the European Tour. He was also a member of the victorious European Ryder Cup team and won the WGC-World Cup for England with Paul Casey.

March 2006: Wins Honda Classic

In March 2006, Luke Donald won his second U.S. PGA Tour event at the Honda Classic in Florida, which moved him into the top ten of the World Rankings for the first time.

September 2006: Ryder Cup Victory

In September 2006, Luke Donald won his singles match in the Ryder Cup and helped Europe win the trophy for the third successive time. Donald also won in the foursomes twice, with Sergio García.

May 2010: Wins Madrid Masters

In May 2010, Luke Donald won the Madrid Masters by one shot, marking his first title in four years.

October 2010: Ryder Cup Victory

In October 2010, Luke Donald was a member of the European team that won the 2010 Ryder Cup with a one-point win over the USA.

2010: Donald Adds Dave Alred as Coach

In 2010, Donald added Dave Alred to his coaching team and worked with him until 2012. During this period he reached World Number 1.

February 2011: Wins WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship

In February 2011, Luke Donald achieved his biggest win to date at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, defeating Martin Kaymer in the final.

May 2011: Becomes World Number One

In May 2011, Luke Donald achieved the number one golfer position in the Official World Golf Ranking after winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

May 2011: Wins BMW PGA Championship and Becomes World Number One

In May 2011, Luke Donald beat Lee Westwood in a playoff to win the European Tour's flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club, achieving world number one status.

July 2011: Wins Barclays Scottish Open

In July 2011, Luke Donald won his first tournament as the world number one at the Barclays Scottish Open, finishing four strokes clear of Fredrik Andersson Hed. The tournament was reduced to 54 holes due to heavy rain.

October 2011: Wins Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic and Secures PGA Tour Money List Title

In October 2011, Luke Donald won his fourth title of the year at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, securing the PGA Tour money list title, the Vardon Trophy, the Byron Nelson Award, and the PGA Player of the Year award.

2011: Dominant 2011 Season

In 2011, Luke Donald had an outstanding year, winning the PGA Tour money list and European Race to Dubai, becoming the first player to win both in the same year. He was also named PGA Player of the Year and European Tour Golfer of the Year, and awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour.

2011: Secures European Tour Race to Dubai

In December, Luke Donald finished third at the Dubai World Championship and secured the European Tour Race to Dubai for 2011, becoming the first golfer to officially claim top rank on both PGA Tour and European Tour money lists in the same year.

2011: Awarded Honorary Life Membership

On 23 May 2012, Luke Donald was awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour in recognition of his achievements in the 2011 season.

May 2012: Honorary Life Membership and BMW PGA Championship Win

On 23 May 2012, Luke Donald was awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour. On 27 May 2012, Donald retained his title at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, becoming only the third player to successfully defend the title.