Thrilling Disney ride leaves Donald at the top

First this year he lifted the World Match Play title in Arizona, having never trailed in any of his six games.

Then he took the world No 1 spot off Lee Westwood with a play-off victory over him at Wentworth.

He next cruised to a four-shot victory at the Scottish Open with a closing 63, the lowest round of his European Tour career.

Now he has become the first European to top the PGA Tour money list in America by playing the final nine holes of the final event at the Disney World resort in Florida in a dazzling six-under-par 30.

“It’s hard to put into words,” Donald, 33, said after receiving the tournament trophy from Donald Duck – no relation – and Mickey Mouse.

“The goal was to win. Nothing was really going to be good enough other than that (he trailed Webb Simpson by nearly £230,000).

“I think this is probably one of the most satisfying wins of my career just because of that. It was kind of do-or-die. Disney is a special place. I suppose if I ever have to bring the children back here at least it’ll have some good memories for me – even if I’m having to wait in all those lines.”

But the best year of Donald’s life is not over yet. After taking time out to wait for the birth of his second daughter due next week he has events in South Africa, Dubai and Australia.

The middle of those on December 8-11 could see him crowned the European Tour’s new No 1 as well, but with a lead of more than £1m over Rory McIlroy there might be no need for the heroics he produced this weekend.

Nobody has ever topped the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic in the same season, so more history awaits, although Tiger Woods might care to point out he actually did it six times, but never played enough European events to be included on the table.

All that is left is that elusive first major. The nearest Donald has come was third on his Masters debut in 2005 and third again at the 2006 US PGA. He said: “The only disappointing part is not winning a major, but I’ll keep persevering and giving myself opportunities.”