A CHIP in out of the bunker on the 72nd hole denied Luke Donald his first PGA Tour win in two years this weekend.

The former world number one golfer from Wycombe led Matt Kuchar by three shots going into the last day of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.

But Kuchar’s final round 64 saw him pip Donald to the title by one shot.

Donald carded a 69 on Sunday to go with rounds of 70, 69 and 66.

But once Kuchar was in the clubhouse on minus 11, Donald couldn’t find that elusive birdie over the closing three holes to force a play-off.

He said: “I knew what I had to do. On 17 when I hit the tee shot, I was one back and I needed to birdie my last two.

“Disappointing, obviously, not to have won.

“Usually a solid 69 on a windy day with a two-shot lead is enough to get it done on Sundays."

However, Donald’s impressive form during the week moved him up 41 places in the rankings from 71 to 30 and is evidence that his swing changes are starting to pay off.

Donald tweeted: “Still feeling a bit like Ricky Bobby this morning, ‘If you ain't first, you're last.’

“Still lots of positives from last week, got to keep grinding and #KeepGettingBetter.

“Players Championship and BMW PGA at Wentworth next.”