Northern Irishmen Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy scared of Luke Donald’s bid for US open
World number one, Luke Donald has been a source of worry for many of the contenders in this week’s US Open but the Northern Irishmen seem to be more than scared of the champion’s current form. The defending champions Graeme McDowell and countryman Rory McIlroy
are finding it troublesome to settle down with the fact that Donald has posted an incredible ten top-ten finishes in his ten starts this season, winning two of the them and that also on both sides of the Atlantic.
The 33-year-old Donald, with his consistent performance has stunned the golf critics throughout the world and has seldom shown any signs of weariness in his whirlwind tours around the world.
“He's really got the whole package now.” said McDowell. “His iron play has always been unbelievable, and I think that's one of the keys. ... I always knew he had a great wedge game and a great short game and a putting stroke to die for, so he's really got
his game polished up.”
Donald is currently on top of both the FedEx Cup Rankings as well as the Official World Golf Rankings and is the only player ever to hold down both standings after Tiger Woods. The Englishman was rejuvenated by his strong win at the WGC Accenture Match Play
Championship, and the victory opened up the much awaited flood gates for his consecutive strong finishes later in the season. His victory at Tucson earlier this year came after a drought of six years and being a family man, Donald attributes much of his success
to his family and to his loving wife.
World number eight, McIlroy, who slumped in the final round of the Masters this April, after opening up with lowest rounds in the field, and who is also an aspiring major contender, seems to have finally taken Donald seriously.
“It seems like every time you look at a leaderboard he's up there,” McIlroy said. “He's playing great golf at the minute. And the way this golf course is set up this week I'm sure he'll have a good go at it again.”
Donald’s recent form is not a stroke of luck but rather a fruit of relentless practice rounds where he consolidated his shorter game in order to make up for his drive deficit. Jack Nicklaus lauded Donald’s hard work after his runner-up finish at the Heritage
and revealed that he has seen Donald practicing for hours and hours on a single hole.
Donald snatched the number one spot from Lee Westwood at Volvo World Match Play Championship when the latter sunk his approach in the hazard. The slightly altered course at Congressional this week will test the skills of the players on the field, ensuring
excellent sport for the weekend. Donald is hoping to bag the first major title of his career.
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