March 17th, 2011

Sportyard would like to congratulate Luke Donald on a magnificent week of outstanding golf in Marana AZ to win the WGC Accenture Match Play title - never down, never having to play the 18th.

Martin Kaymer finished runner-up following a tough match in tough conditions on Sunday. Martin fought hard, like he had done all week, but Luke was the better player on the day. On Monday Martin will wake up as the new World No 1. Of course he plays to win and will be disappointed with the loss on Sunday, but nevertheless, his play during the last year merits the No 1 ranking.

With victories in the PGA Championship, KLM Open, Dunhill Links, Ryder Cup and Abu-Dhabi, and a host of other great performances, he has been closing in on the ranking leaders. His runner-up finish on Sunday secured his status as the new No 1. Martin is only 26 years old and he has progressed rapidly through the rankings. It is easy to forget that he has only been a professional since 2006. He was the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year on the European Tour in 2007, won his first title in Abu-Dhabi in 2008, and since then has never been outside the top 50.

Last fall he established himself at the highest level, landing his first major Championship and then finishing atop the Race to Dubai Ranking, becoming the European No 1 and the holder of the Harry Vardon Trophy. He was consequently named the European Tour Player of the Year and given an honorary lifetime membership. The top of the Official World Golf Ranking is tighter than it has been in quite some time, thus Martin will have to stay on top of his game to be able to stay on top of the Rankings.

Next up on his schedule is the WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral March 10-13. We are looking forward to it!