Donaldson’s desert dream

Welshman Jamie Donaldson, the man who recently sent Robert Rock a picture of his US Masters invitation just to wind him up, has now succeeded him as winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The 37-year-old, whose only previous European Tour success came on his 255th start at the Irish Open last July, claimed victory by a stroke when long-time leader Justin Rose lipped out on the final green from 12 feet.

It left Rose sharing second place on 13-under par with talented young Dane Thorbjorn Olesen, who signed for a 69.

Minutes earlier Donaldson had three-putted for a bogey six, missing from under five feet, but it did not matter. Against a field that had earlier in the week included world top two Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods – both missed the halfway cut – he could hardly believe what had just happened.

“I played the pro-am on Wednesday and thought the course was too difficult and I had no chance,” Donaldson said. “I thought if I could get a decent finish I would be chuffed. To be holding this trophy is just mad.”

Last July, Donaldson broke through to win by four strokes at Royal Portrush and now he’s virtually guaranteed a place in all four Majors with victory in the UAE capital.

“To win again so soon it’s like what they say about buses because it took a while to win my first and now I’ve won a second not long after my first.

“Winning the Irish Open last year was fantastic but to top it off with this win is awesome.”

Pádraig Harrington takes a fortnight break from competition and will have his trainer, Dave Aldred as a house guest for two days, after a last day 69 to finish in a share of 23rd on five under par with Peter Lawrie (70).

Harrington admitted: “I didn’t play my best the last couple of days even though I did a lot of practice, it’s just that I lost a bit of timing.

“I’m feeling pretty good about my game but I’m not too happy about the result. If you told me I would finish around 20th this week I wouldn’t have turned up.

“But in saying that I have to be pleased with the two weeks as I was very much on trial, and besides I also got a lot of work done with Pete Cowen.

“However I’m glad I’m not playing a Major tournament next week as I certainly would not be ready for that. But I am certainly ready to take the next step.”

Having just played four rounds on a desert course in the UAE, Harrington’s next event will be on a desert course in the USA with a first appearance in the Phoenix Open at the end of the month.