Golf-Donald inspired by Seve's Open magic
|
Still desperately seeking that elusive major, world number one Luke Donald is seeking inspiration from the late Seve Ballesteros's victory at Royal Lytham in 1979.
The legendary Spaniard was similarly inconsistent off the tee, but was often saved by his superb short game, deficiencies qualities that Donald himself brings to the table.
"Seve was someone that would hit it wild off the tee and use his short game to get out of trouble," he said.
"No matter where he was, he felt like he could hole a shot."
Part of the problem Donald confesses, is his mental state in the big events. Usually peerless on tour, when it comes to the major championships the Englshman admits he tightens up and lets the occasion get to him.
"I think the remedy has to come from me," he said. "It's taken a bit of time for that thought to drop, because I just have been getting a little bit too uptight.
"It's a very normal mode to switch into because the pressure is that much more. You want it that much more. It's about, for me, just kind of controlling it and predetermining how I want to feel and trying to stick to that. It's going to be tough.
Always seen as a self-deprecating and modest character on the Tour, despite winning both the PGA and European Money Titles last season, Donald is taking council from sports psychologist Dave Alred to help his mental game come to the fore and match his talent on the course.
Alred previously worked with England's rugby star Jonny Wilkinson, helping the kicker develop his game physically and mentally.
"There will be times when I get uptight, but then I've just got to kind of remember where I am and how I want to feel over each shot and not really getting too far ahead of myself and raising those expectations which I have done in the past."
Plenty of players have weighed in on the course at Royal Lytham, notably on the difficult rough which reigning Open champion Darren Clarke has described as brutal and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods claimed it is "unplayable".
But Donald does not seem to be perturbed and seems up for the challenge.
"I do like this course. I think it's set up great. It's very fair, but it's very tough," he said. "It's certainly, going to produce the guy who plays the best because there's no escaping some holes; you've just got to step up there and hit good tee shots.
"You aren't going to find lucky lies in the rough. You're not going to be able to get to the greens from the bunkers. It's about hitting fairways, hitting greens, and hopefully I can do that."
|
Back to news list