LUKE DONALD SAYS HE IS 'PROBABLY THE BEST GOLFER IN WORLD'
By KEVIN GARSIDE
Luke Donald, pictured right, enlivened the preamble in most unDonald-like fashion by claiming he is probably the best golfer in the world despite his No 2 ranking behind Lee Westwood. Perhaps he was imbibing a particular brand of amber nectar at the European Tour Awards dinner the night before.
He has a point. Seven consecutive top-10 finishes this season, 13 out of 14 stretching back to last year confirm Donald as the most consistent golfer in the world.
Westwood, traditionally a slow starter, banged in back-to-back victories on his Far East tour in April to illuminate the difference between the two; when a door opens Westwood is inclined to rip it off its hinges.
Donald continues to knock politely. He’s working on it. He has tabled one victory in that run, albeit in match play, the Accenture in February, which rewards a different facet of the game and lacks the rigour of conventional stroke play.
“I don’t know whether you choose someone who has won events or majors [as world No1] or you go with someone who has chances to win every week. I feel I’ve been the most consistent,” Donald said. “I think I’ve proved that in the last few months.”
The stats will deliver Donald to the top of the rankings on Sunday should he finish above Westwood and No3 Martin Kaymer does not claim a top-two spot.
Westwood, too, was in perky mood on the media oche. After losing to Ian Poulter in the last 16 at the Volvo Match Play in Andalucia last week, despite hitting the ball sweetly, Westwood “wants it large” this week in the words of his manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler.
Labels: EUROPEAN TOUR