Donald looking to majors next year

KIAWAH ISLAND - The Associated Press

English golfer Luke Donald lost the top spot in the PGA rankings. AFP Photo

Luke Donald left The Ocean Course without a major and without the No. 1 ranking.

Donald had been No. 1 in the world since late May when he took the top spot from Rory McIlroy. The 23-year-old McIlroy regained the No. 1 position on Aug. 12 with an eight-stroke victory in the PGA Championship.

This was supposed to be the season the 34-year-old Donald shed the mantle of best player without a major. Instead, Donald was left shaking his head and knowing he won’t get his next chance until the Masters at Augusta National in eight months.

“I’ve won twice this year but I look at this year as somewhat of a disappointment in terms of the majors,” Donald said.

Donald never truly contended early on as he tied for 32nd at the Masters back in April, then missed the cut in the U.S. Open. He rallied at the British Open to finish fifth and had hoped he could be in the mix at The Ocean Course. Instead, Donald took himself out of contention with rounds of 74, 76 and 74. He recovered Sunday to shoot 66, but far too late to catch McIlroy. Donald finished at 2 over - 15 shots behind the winner.

“You always gear your season up to peak at these events and I haven’t quite figured that out yet,” he said.