GOLF: MOST PEOPLE would relish a trip to Disneyworld in October with their young daughter, but Luke Donald would simply rather not have to, for this year at least.
Donald is looking to make history in 2011 by becoming the first man to top the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic, and currently enjoys a lead of £1.4 million over US Open champion Rory McIlroy on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
However, things are much tighter on the US Tour, where his lead over Webb Simpson is just $68,971 after he overtook the American by finishing joint third in the Tour Championship on Sunday.
As things stand, Donald has no plans to play in any of the four remaining US Tour events, concentrating instead on this week’s Dunhill Links Championship and next week’s defence of his Madrid Masters title before taking time off.
But the 33-year-old concedes he could be tempted to compete in the final event, the not-so catchily titled Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Disneyworld from October 20th-23rd, if Simpson overtakes him.
Simpson has yet to confirm if he will play any more events, but if he did contest the penultimate event at Sea Island or the final one at Disney, he would need to finish around 20th to overtake Donald.
Asked about his motivation for winning both money titles, Donald said: “The fact that no one has ever done it. You’re always trying to achieve things that no one has ever done. It would be pretty special.
“It’s not easy playing both tours, you spread yourself a bit thinly. You have to play well at the right events, the big events. I’ve picked off a couple of good events and it would mean a lot to top both money lists.
“Webb might think about playing another event because I think winning the money list comes with a five-year tour exemption and he was struggling to keep his card last year.
“I’d have to weigh up the pros and cons. I might be better served to rest. I’m not sure Webb is playing an event; he might be tempted and I might be. I could play Disney, take my daughter (Elle, who was born last year) to Disneyworld, but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes to it. A lot is dictated by my wife Diane being due in six weeks.”
While Donald’s lead in Europe looks extremely healthy, two of his nearest challengers have certainly not given up hope of catching their Ryder Cup team-mate.
McIlroy is embarking on a 12-week road trip which includes tournaments in Korea, China, Dubai, Thailand and Bermuda, while Westwood is favourite to win his second Dunhill Links title at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns this week.
“I think Luke being here tells you he doesn’t think he’s out of sight,” said Westwood, who topped the money list in 2000 and 2009 and is fourth in the current standings, £1.6 million behind Donald. “He’s playing here and Madrid next week.
“He obviously thinks that the guys around him are good enough to win the rest of the events that he’s playing. I feel like I can win here, China and Dubai and that will surely give me enough money to go past him.”
The first prize of £515,000 would still leave Westwood or McIlroy with a mountain to climb, and McIlroy is somewhat more circumspect about his chances.
“Luke’s playing very, very consistently,” said McIlroy, who has finished third in his last two European Tour events.
“He seems like every time he tees it up he finishes in the top five, and if he does that he’s going to be very difficult to beat.
“But that’s the goal at the end of the season. I feel like if I can concentrate on just trying to win tournaments, then the Race to Dubai will take care of itself. But I want to try to get closer to Luke and put a bit of pressure on him with a couple of events to go.
“I want to get a win before the end of the season. I feel as if I’m playing well enough. If I can keep getting myself in contention and giving myself chances, I’ll hopefully put my foot through the door and get another win.”
THE LOWDOWN
Courses: St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
Prize money:€3.7 million (€588,148 to the winner).
Length: St Andrews 7,279yds; Carnoustie 7,412yds; Kingsbarns 7,150yds. Par: All 72. Field: 168.
The Format:The competitors will play a round at each of the three links before a cut is made and the leaders battle it out on Sunday at St Andrews.
The layout:The host course St Andrews has generous fairways and the greens are reachable on some of the par fours. It is considered the easiest of the courses when there is little wind but is a different beast when the wind is up. The par-four 17th Road Hole is also believed to be the toughest on the track.
Carnoustie is the most difficult of the three with its long and demanding holes sorting out the men from the boys. Its closing four holes have destroyed many a card and hopes over the years. Kingsbarns is the shortest but the only one with four par-fives giving the big hitters the chance to shoot low numbers. Lee Westwood shot a 62 in 2003.
Last year:Martin Kaymer held off a strong challenge in the final round and dealt with the poor weather the best to win by three shots.
Type of player suited to challenge:Those with plenty of links experience and the ability to handle the quirky terrain and sea breezes with a range of shots will be best prepared for this test. With each professional having an amateur partner it can be difficult for the pro to maintain his concentration.
Key attribute:Accuracy.
Weather forecast: In past years the players arrived to cold, windy conditions but this week there has been clear skies, gentle breezes and pleasant temperatures. More of the same is forecast.
On TV:Sky Sports 1 from 1.30pm.
