Golf: Luke Donald ‘has enough fuel in tank’ for Australia win

The Briton was this week named the PGA Player of the Year after 12 months where he consistently produced his top game. The leading money-winner in the US, Donald became Europe’s Order of Merit champion after finishing third at the Dubai World Championship at the weekend to become the first man to top the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic.

While the 34-year-old has yet to win a major, his accuracy and a superb short game this year brought him four victories, 20 top-10 finishes and £8.45 million in prize money.

“I did have a few celebratory drinks and the flight over was a little rough, but I’m feeling more rested now,” said Donald, whose only previous visit to Australia was as an amateur in the late 1990s. “I certainly do have enough fuel in the tank. I had a good five weeks off before I played the Nedbank [Golf Challenge from December 1-4] and Dubai.

“There’s been times throughout the year where I have had to really dig deep for a bit of extra energy to compete well, but I certainly feel like I’m not dragging too much right now. I feel like I have enough energy to give everyone a good show.”

Donald will face a strong local field in Melbourne including Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby and Greg Chalmers, who is chasing the Triple Crown of wins in the Australian Open, PGA and Masters in one season. “I haven’t played the course so I’m just guessing that local knowledge is of benefit,” said Donald. “But, from what I hear, there are some sloping greens and places you do and do not want to be. I’m sure I will adapt quickly.”

Fellow Briton Ian Poulter insists he always puts golf ahead of business as he looks to return to the world top 10. The 35-year-old has slipped to 28th in the rankings after a career-high of five in 2010. “Right now obviously I have slipped down the world rankings a little bit, but I can move up very quickly,” he said.

“A win this week would push me straight back up – let me think – where would it push me? It would probably push me to about 17 in the world, not that I have been looking.”

He is also looking at the trip as a chance to expand his commercial interests and added: “IJP Design, my clothing business, has been running for about five years now and obviously it’s great to play in all the territories where I have distribution.

“It’s nice finally for me to get down here. I see this game as a business and I have to go to as many territories as I can.”