Donald’s display makes him Scot’s pick for ‘Golfer of the Year’

While acknowledging McIlroy’s achievement in claiming the US Open title by eight shots at Congressional and Clarke becoming Open champion at the age of 42 at Royal St George’s, Montgomerie picked Donald, the world No 1, as his standout player in 2011.

The Scot said he had been particularly impressed by the way Donald had clinched the PGA Tour money-list by winning the final event, the Disney Classic in Florida, to stay on course to become the first player to finish the season as No 1 on both sides of the Atlantic.

“I’d put the performances from Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke on an equal footing,” said Montgomerie when asked to reflect on another stellar year for European golf. “Rory showed talent beyond belief while Darren’s win was the icing on a great career. But I’d say Luke Donald is definitely my ‘Golfer of the Year’. To go to Disney and win was one of the best victories I have ever known.

“It is right up there with Bernhard Langer winning the German Masters in 1991 (the week after he missed the decisive putt in the Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island) – that was the win of the decade in the 90s.”

Donald’s victory in Florida enabled him to pip Webb Simpson for top spot and Montgomerie added: “To be able to do that was incredible. He has also shown it’s not a bomber’s game. He has shown it can still be a game of skill and precision. He deserves every accolade going.”

Montgomerie was speaking after flying back to Britain from the Far East, where he has played in events in China, Singapore and Malaysia in recent weeks. Asked about the European Tour schedule consisting of so many Asian events, he replied: “The economic climate in Europe isn’t good at the moment, as we’ve seen from Barclays pulling out as sponsor of the Scottish Open. But once Europe gets back on its feet again I’m sure the sponsors will come back.”