Always an admired golfer with an elegant swing, Luke Donald showed in a meteoric 2011 that he can be the best in the world.
Although he is still to win one of the four coveted majors, the 34-year-old's achievements this year should not be overlooked.
The modern game of golf is one dominated by power and brawn, rather than a deft touch. It is in this sense that Donald should be congratulated as he has conquered golf with his combination of methodical course management and sublime short game.
His first of four wins this season, and undoubtedly the biggest of his career, came in February at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Donald defeated the world number one at the time, Martin Kaymer, in the final 3&2.
He went on to record a second-place finish at The Heritage PGA event, losing out to Brandt Snedeker in a playoff before also missing out at the final hurdle at the Volvo World Match Play Championship.
Donald was favourite to win his second match play tournament of the year but was ousted by fellow compatriot and notoriously difficult match play opponent Ian Poulter 2&1.
In May Donald proved that he was the best at the time by claiming the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Lee Westwood had entered the tournament as world number one and it all boiled down to a playoff between the game's two best to decide not only the Wentworth title but also the world's top spot.
Donald measured his approach over the water on the 18th to within six feet while Westwood saw his shot generate too much back spin and slip back into the drink.
In July Donald won his first tournament as number one at the Scottish Open and would have been in a confident mood heading to the Open a week later at Royal St Georges. However, the Englishman failed to make the cut after a disappointing opening two days in blustery conditions in Kent.
Despite the setback in the major tournaments, Donald went on to end the year in unforgettable fashion by claiming both the PGA and European Tour money lists, a staggering achievement when considering the air miles involved.
Although his place atop the European standings looked all but assured, this was not the case across the pond and Donald headed into the final tournament of the year knowing he had to finish strongly and ahead of rival Webb Simpson.
He showed his mettle by winning the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic in Florida, overcoming playing partner Simpson by four shots in a final round which included six consecutive birdies on the back nine.
Away from the course Donald has had his fair share to deal with as well. His father Colin died in November, just as the season was drawing to a climax, while his wife Diane gave birth to their second daughter.
Donald deservedly scooped up almost all the end-of-season awards, collecting the Vardon and Byron Nelson PGA trophies for having the lowest scoring average on the American Tour and also winning both the PGA and European Golfer of the Year accolades.
Everyone knows what Luke Donald wants and in some ways needs to prove his greatness in 2012.
A repeat of 2011 would be more than welcome next year, although it is that elusive major title the Englishman surely craves.
Pascal Lemesre
