Donald in prime position to win maiden major at the USPGA
Published:Luke Donald is convinced he has what it takes to claim the USPGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Golf Club this week – despite his disappointing form with the putter.
The Englishman finished last week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational tied for second with Rickie Fowler after shooting four consecutive rounds in the 60s.
However, despite his brilliant performance from tee to green, Donald believes there is still more to come from him with the flat blade.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “It was a good week – a lot of positives. Obviously it’s disappointing that three out of four days I really felt like I gave a lot away on the greens, but it’s probably one of the best ball-striking weeks I’ve had for a while.
“I felt really comfortable off the tee and my iron play was good. I gave myself a lot of opportunities and around a course that’s quite tight and demanding in places it was very encouraging.
“I’m not going to worry too much about the putter. I’ve always felt like I’m a good putter and those things will come around. I’ve just got to keep being patient and keep giving myself opportunities.”
Donald had his best major finish in the 2006 USPGA Championship at the Medinah Country Club. He shared the lead with eventual winner Tiger Woods going into the final round but a closing 74 put him out of the running.
However, five years on and Donald is a far superior golfer and has the best scoring average on the PGA Tour at 69.08. His victory in the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in February also shows he can convert when it matters.
He may be renowned for his ability to simply finish high and make the dollars, but Donald’s game looks in perfect shape to bag his second win of the season and first major at 14/1.
