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Donald returns to No. 1 ranking in golf

Luke Donald,shown in a February 2012 file photo, is once again the top-ranked men's golfer. UPI/ David Silpa
Luke Donald,shown in a February 2012 file photo, is once again the top-ranked men's golfer. UPI/ David Silpa | License Photo

VIRGINIA WATER, England, April 30 (UPI) -- Luke Donald passed Rory McIlroy this week and is again the No. 1-ranked men's golfer in the world.

Donald was third at the PGA's Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which returns him to the top spot in the rankings with a points average of 9.549. McIlroy is second at 9.325

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Donald became No. 1 the first time on May 29, 2011, and was on top until McIlroy moved him out March 4. Two weeks later Donald was back in first but McIlroy, on April 15, passed Donald. Two weeks later, Donald is back at the No. 1 spot.

His total of 45 weeks at No. 1 is sixth most.

The next three spots in the Top 10 are the same as last week, with Lee Westwood (8.270) in third followed by Bubba Watson (6.400) and Hunter Mahan (5.699).

Steve Stricker is up one place to sixth with an average of 5.596 and Tiger Woods (5.354) is seventh as Martin Kaymer (5.348) drops two places to No. 8. Justin Rose (5.193) exchanges places with Phil Mickelson (5.175) and is ninth, with Mickelson completing the Top 10.

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Justin Dufner won the Zurich Classic and jumps 10 spots to No. 20 in the rankings. The European Tour's Ballantine's Championship in South Korea was won by Bernd Wiesberger -- a first-time titlist. He goes from 170th to No. 95 in the rankings.

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