Europe
Profile: Luke Donald
| Born | Hemel Hempstead, England |
|---|---|
| age | 28 |
| height | 5ft 9in |
| Turned Pro | 2001 |
| World ranking | 9 |
| Appearances | (1) 2004 |
| Won | Lost | Halved | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Foursomes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fourball | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Win Rate | 61% |
Luke Donald is considered one of the current “young crop” of European players most likely to win major and given his classic swing and even temperament this train of thought seems valid. The 28-year-old has talent in abundance and already has four wins under his belt, two each side of the Atlantic. His most recent win coming in this year's Honda Classic on the PGA Tour.
The Englishman, who is also an accomplished pianist and an avid painter, made his US Masters debut in 2005 and went on to finish third. To date this is by far his best finish in a major. His first Open played was in 2002 but he missed the cut, just as he did the following two years. This year's tied 35th finish at Hoylake is his best in the Open to date.
Donald came into the professional ranks with an excellent team record when he was on Garth McGimpsey's two winning Walker Cup sides of 1999 and 2001. He won a record seven matches and just one defeat in the process. During that time he also teamed up with Paul Casey in the foursomes matches with great success. In 2004 he teamed up again with Casey as they won the WGC World Cup for England in Seville
It was his two wins in 2004 which made then Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer sit up and take notice. The German made Donald one of his wild card picks and he didn't disappoint as he contributed two-and-a-half points from a possible four to the European cause.
In his amateur college days in America he also won the NCAA individual title in 1999 while breaking Tiger Woods' lowest stroke average (70.45) the same year.
Donald is one who quietly goes about his business and doesn't do an awful lot wrong. This combined with his ability to deliver in the heat of matchplay battle will serve captain Woosnam well, especially in the fourball format.
- Paul Gallagher