Donald makes history as Quiros hangs on in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Luke Donald's historic year free holes and a under 66.

Donald didn't win the Dubai World Championship, finishing third at 16-under 272, but he became the first golfer in history to capture the money title on both the European and PGA Tours in the same season.

Alvaro Quiros' second win of 2011 -- he shot a five-under 67 on Sunday to shoot 19-under 266 -- and sixth overall was merely a footnote at Jumeirah Golf Estates, as the world's top player Donald put on a dazzling performance to which spectators have grown accustomed throughout the year.

After his final birdie on the 18th green, Donald lifted both arms in triumph and hugged his caddie in celebration.

It's one of the more remarkable seasons in recent memory for any golfer, one that leaves a major title as the lone accomplishment Donald has yet to achieve. He captured the Race to Dubai title by over a million euros after topping Webb Simpson by about $300,000 earlier this year to win the PGA Tour money title.

In 25 worldwide starts this year, Donald posted three victories, 13 top fives and 19 top 10s. He missed only two cuts and placed in the top 11 in all but one of his final 10 tournaments. He captured the No. 1 ranking for the first time with a victory at the European Tour's flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, and will take that distinction into the 2012 season.

Meanwhile, Quiros made sure he didn't squander a second straight 54-hole lead. After surrendering last week's advantage to Rory McIlroy at the Hong Kong Open, Quiros finished Sunday's round with a 50-foot eagle putt to beat Paul Lawrie by two.

It's the first time Quiros has won twice in a season after winning once in each of the last four years.

MORE TO FOLLOW.