Donald proved that he was capable of recreating his record-breaking form of 2011

But following U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy's victory at Palm Beach a couple weeks ago, Donald found himself pushed off top spot for the 1st time in 40 weeks inside them for hours to prove he was effective at recreating his record-breaking form of 2011.

Donald's emphatic response to his doubters came on Sunday, as he overcame a three-shot deficit heading to the final round to clinch a playoff triumph in the Transitions Championship in Florida.

"I think people belief that my a year ago was maybe a little a greater portion of a, not really a fluke, on the other hand do not think many individuals thought I possibly could do that once again this Ping G20 irons coming year," Donald told the PGA Tour's official website. "Hopefully I could prove them wrong."

The 34-year-old holed a birdie putt on the first additional hole to defeat American duo Jim Furyk and Robert Garrigus and South Korea's Sang-moon Bae, having carded a five-under-par 65 to launch himself into contention.

When asked if he felt he previously been disregarded by some following McIlroy's brief reign at the very top, Donald responded: "Absolutely. I don't pay an excessive amount of focus on it, but I certainly wasn't on tv at all."

The primary players to congratulate Donald on his return to the top of the rankings was McIlroy, who used his official Twitter account to state: "Well I enjoyed it while it lasted! Congrats @LukeDonald! Impressive performance!"

Donald, that's now certain to occupy the No. 1 position heading in the Masters next month, backed his European Ryder Cup teammate to maintain his challenge near the top of the game.

"I'm sure he got an idea in the view that i'm sure he'll want much more of it. He's an incredible player," Donald said with the 22-year-old. "I think golf is at an excellent spot at Ping G20 driver this time. There's lots of excitement occurring."

Donald, Furyk (69), Garrigus (64) and Bae (68) finished the tournament on 13 under, one stroke away from American trio Scott Piercy (62), Jeff Overton (66) and Ken Duke (68).

Also on 12 under was South African three-time major winner Ernie Els, who led the area on 14 under with only three holes to learn.

Bogies for the 17th and 18th holes saw Els' challenge fade and they could ultimately cost the "Big Easy" a spot on the Masters.

"It's destined to be tough," said world No. 62 Els, who would have qualified to the prestigious Augusta event with victory.

"I'm pretty hot now, and it's really difficult to talk with a straight head here. Easily take stock, I do believe I'm playing good golf, and I have to head into the subsequent two weeks discount golf clubs trying to find victory."

Els presenting just two tournaments to qualify for the year's initial. The veteran's best chance might come at next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational since the event is skipped by a large amount of the game's biggest names.