Sports: Target World Challenge
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Dec. 11, 2005 - Luke Donald surprised the prestigious 16-player field as he came from six shots back to capture the Target World Challenge Presented by Countrywide. Donald used a final-round 8-under-par 64 to defeat third-round leader Darren Clarke by two shots.
Donald won the $1.3 million winner’s share of the $5.5 million purse with a 272 (-16) total at Sherwood Country Club. Tournament host Tiger Woods tied for 14th with a 286 (-2).
Donald celebrated his 28th birthday on Wednesday of tournament week, then matched the record for best closing round by a winner in the seven-year history of the event. Woods in 2001 and Davis Love III in 2000 also shot 64 to win.
Entering the final round six shots behind Clarke, the English native made five birdies in a seven-hole stretch on the back nine to move up the leaderboard. Clarke needed a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff, but he three-putted for bogey and a final-round 72, leaving him two strokes back.
Donald’s winning payout was the largest check he’s ever earned and his second victory in the United States. The Northwestern graduate and 1999 NCAA champion also captured the 2002 Southern Farm Bureau Classic. Aside from that, Donald owns two European Tour victories and teamed with Paul Casey to win the 2004 World Cup.
"Luckily, I played great today," Donald said. "Fortunately for me, the guys in the top two groups didn't play their best and let me have this one a little bit. This has been a year of 'nearlys.' Luckily, I got the last one. It will make Christmas a little better."
Michael Campbell, held the first round lead with an opening 9-under-par 63, and continued to lead after the second round by two strokes over Clarke and Padraig Harrington. Campbell closed with a 72 to finish four shots behind, while Harrington had a 73 and tied Campbell for third.
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