Dubai: World No 1 Luke Donald kept his date with history in Dubai yesterday, becoming the first person to top both European and US Tour Order of Merits in a single season.
The 34-year-old Englishman finished third overall at the season-ending Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, with an immaculate 66 including three closing birdies getting him to 16-under.
Rory McIlroy, the only man who could have denied Donald the historic feat, carded a third 71 to finish tied for 11th at nine-under.
Donald, who made ten top-ten finishes from 13 starts on the European Tour and 13 from 17 in America, said: "It's something that I didn't really think was that possible. I played extremely solid, consistent golf all year, winning four times, and just playing right at the right moments. I think it's testament to my hard work and it's nice to see it paying off.
"To actually have it happen is a different thing. It feels almost like a weight off my shoulders. It was never going to be easy, and Rory made it tough on me. He's had a tremendous year himself, and I was just glad that I was able to get through it and create history.
"I think that's why we play the game in a way. Obviously to win tournaments and to do something that no one has ever done before and I'm very proud of that.
Nice way to finish
"It was hard to concentrate in a way. I had so many mixed emotions, but just tried to finish strong, and three birdies was a nice way to finish the year.
McIlroy, who ended up over a million euros behind Donald on the money-list, said: "He's been up there every week and he deserves everything he's got this year. It's been an incredible year for him, and I'm sure everyone expects him to continue and keep pushing forward.
"I've practiced with Luke and I've played with him. He works incredibly hard as well, and that's what you have to do to keep that level of consistency up."