New coach can put Donald back in Driving seat
THE news that Luke Donald has hired another coach reeks of desperation for the former World No 1.
Donald is 55th on the US money list just now, so his eleventh spot in the World Rankings is plainly down to the amazing run he had in 2011 and 2012.
Now Brandt Snedeker has revealed that although the British golfer has stayed with Pat Goss for his short game, he has gone to Jason Dufner’s coach, Chuck Cook, to help with his driving.
“Luke was was actually thinking of Sean Foley, who coaches his pal Justin Rose, but Sean’s book was full, so he recommended Chuck Cook,” says Snedeker. “They worked at the PGA Championship, and the following week in Chicago.
“Chuck thought his man had become too upright and was relying upon his hands, so he is trying to get him to swing more with his body and be more consistent with his driver.
“That seems to be his main problem. It’s maybe even stopped him from winning a Major.
“If he can consistently put the ball on the fairway, he’d be awfully hard to beat, but there’s no doubt he hasn’t driven the ball well this year.
“No question though, with his short game, he will be a powerhouse in the game again if he finds the key with Chuck.”
Meanwhile, Snedeker believes the top European players who missed Gleneagles this weekend had little choice.
The likes of Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter chose to play at the Barclays in New Jersey.
The tournament marks the start of four FedExCup play-off events that climax with the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
With prize money of £8 million at each tournament — the winners getting $1.4 million — plus a £10 -million prize for the FedEx winner, it is little wonder Snedeker, No. 7 in the world, sees these play-offs as almost the ultimate test of golf.
“Anybody who plays the game knows it’s so hard trying to get your game to peak at the right time,” he continues.
“So these play-offs put extra pressure on you, and you’ve got to handle that over four weeks.
“It’s so tough to try to mentally and physically get your game where you want it to be for that period.”