VIRGINIA WATER, England — Luke Donald replaced Rory McIlroy at the top of the world rankings for the third time in 10 weeks by retaining the BMW PGA Championship title Sunday, boosting his hopes of finally ending his major drought this summer.

Displaying his trademark consistency on the greens and from the tee, Donald cantered to a four-stroke victory at the biggest event on the European Tour by shooting a 4-under 68 — his fourth straight round under 70 — to finish on 15 under par at Wentworth.

Donald’s second victory of the year, after the Transitions Championship in March, saw him leapfrog McIlroy at the same location where 12 months ago he first guaranteed he would rise to the top of the pile after a playoff win over Lee Westwood.

“There’s something sweet about going 12 months and still being No. 1,” Donald said. “It’s an indication that I’m doing the right things.”

Donald held a two-shot lead over Justin Rose when he began his final round in still, sunny conditions and said he felt tense in the opening stretch of holes, culminating in a bogey 6 on the long fourth hole. A birdie for Rose at the same hole drew the players even at 10 under and with Peter Lawrie and Paul Lawrie within two shots at that stage, a tight finish seemed likely.