• World Rankings

No. 1 ranking will silence critics - Donald

ESPN staff
March 19, 2012
Luke Donald has his eye on a first major title © Getty Images
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Luke Donald says returning to golf's No. 1 ranking will keep his critics quiet as the Englishman now aims to claim his first major title.

Rory McIlroy moved ahead of Donald into top spot two weeks ago, but the 34-year-old reclaimed the ranking with victory at the Transitions Championship on Sunday. Donald's fifth win on the PGA Tour ensures he will remain world No. 1 until the Masters in April.

"I think people thought that my last year was maybe a little bit more of a - not a fluke, but I don't think many people thought I could do that all over again this year," Donald said. "Hopefully, I can prove them wrong."

Soon after the play-off win in Florida, McIlroy sent Donald a message of congratulations via Twitter. The Brit responded with some good sportsmanship of his own, suggesting the two rivals can help push the profile and level of golf to a new level.

"I'm sure (Rory) got a taste of the view and I'm sure he'll want more of it. He's a great player," Donald said. "I think golf is in a good spot right now. There's a lot of excitement going on."

World Rankings: 1. Luke Donald (ENG), 2. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 3. Lee Westwood (ENG), 4. Martin Kaymer (GER), 5. Steve Stricker (USA), 6. Charl Schwartzel (RSA), 7. Webb Simpson (USA), 8. Justin Rose (ENG), 9. Adam Scott (AUS), 10. Jason Day (AUS), 11. Dustin Johnson (USA), 12. Hunter Mahan (USA), 13. Phil Mickelson (USA), 14. Matt Kuchar (USA), 15. Bill Haas (USA), 16. Bubba Watson (USA), 17. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 18. Tiger Woods (USA), 19. Nick Watney (USA), 20. Keegan Bradley (USA)

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