McIlroy regained his World No. 1 ranking just four weeks after being dethroned by Donald.

McIlroy had first become the world’s best golfer on March 4th in winning the Honda Classic in Florida.

However his view at the top lasted just two weeks when Donald played one of the best shots this year on the regular PGA Tour season in winning the Transitions Championship in a play-off at Palm Beach Gardens.

Donald, who needed to finish eighth or higher in today’s concluding RBC Heritage, could not match that in posting a final round of 71 on the Harbour Town course.

Donald had teed off at Hilton Head in round four at two over par and seven shots behind eighth place.

However he finished at two over par and 16 shots adrift of Sweden’s Carl Pettersson who captured his fifth PGA Tour title by five strokes.

Donald, who was headed straight home to his young family, tweeted before leaving Hilton Head: “Not my best week, getting used to leaving this place ranked #2,”.

McIlroy tweeted soon after: “No. 1 again without touching a golf club this week…. I wish it was that easy!”

Meantime victory in South Carolina ensures Pettersson now comes into reckoning for this year’s European Ryder Cup team.