Donald back at happy hunting ground
Knox aiming to crown rise with Ryder Cup spot
WENTWORTH, United Kingdom, May 25, (AFP): England’s Luke Donald is hoping a return to one of his happiest hunting grounds will spark a rise up the world rankings and help him make Europe’s Ryder Cup team for the fifth time.
Donald is playing in the European PGA Championship, which starts at Wentworth on Thursday, an event he won in 2011 and 2012.
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That win five years’ ago got Donald to the top of the rankings for the first time and he re-gained the number one spot with his triumph in 2012.
Donald is currently 76th in the global list — meaning he is not exempt from the major championships — but a good showing this week could put him back in golf’s big-time.
And Donald thinks Wentworth is the perfect place to get back on the winner’s podium after nearly three barren years.
Obviously there are a lot of points up for grabs and this is an event I’ve had some previous success at and feel comfortable around.
Donald played his first Ryder Cup in 2004 but missed out at Gleneagles two years’ ago when Europe beat the United States under Paul McGinley.
Current captain Darren Clarke could have a handful of rookies in his side Danny Willett, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan and Rafa Cabrera-Bello are close to qualifying - and would like to see one or two more experienced players make the cut for the match at Hazeltine.
Donald added: “Obviously it’s a goal of mine. I would love to be on that team. A win this week would go a long way to get me right in the mix and I would love to make that team on my own without having to force Darren to make any kind of pick.
Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Donald could all be relying on captain’s picks to make the team but Donald says there is life in the veterans yet.
Scotland’s Russell Knox is aiming to crown his rise up golf’s world rankings by cementing a place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine in September.
The 30-year-old, who is based in the United States, won the WGC Champions tournament in China last November and has followed that up with a string of impressive finishes including second places at the Heritage and the recent Irish Open.
He was ranked 85th in the world six months ago but is now up to a career high of 23rd making him the second-highest ranked player at the European PGA Championship which starts at Wentworth on Thursday.