Luke Donald: Is It Finally His Time to Become the Best Golfer in the World?

One hour after completing a four-under-par 67 in the first round of The Heritage yesterday, Luke Donald was in the middle of a new strength and conditioning workout.

Such is life when you're in hot pursuit of the world's No. 1 ranking. There is no time to relax.

Donald is currently No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking and could leap past Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood into the top spot with a win this week at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

"Solid day today, love the intricacies of Harbour Town," Donald tweeted after his round. "Tests all the facets of your game. Really hoping this tournament is here to stay."

If ever Donald was going to make his bid to be the world's best golfer, recent history shows The Heritage might be the right place to do it.

He finished tied for second place here in 2009 and tied for third place last year. While he didn't play his best golf yesterday—missing seven greens in regulation—his always sharp scrambling evened things out, helping him stay just three shots behind first round leader Garrett Willis (minus-seven).

Donald hasn't been particularly dominant on the American or European tours. He "only" has six PGA and European PGA Tour wins combined since he turned pro in 2001. But what he's been lacking in first-place hardware has been offset by consistent play.

The guy is always hanging around the top of the leader boards.

Plus, his stellar third-place finish at the Masters Tournament just a couple weeks ago showed he might be ready to win a major. It was the second time he finished tied for third at the Masters, and he also has top five finishes at the PGA Championship (2006) and The Open Championship (2009).

Luke Donald is working hard—and he's one win away from realizing he's the best golfer in the world.