Donald draws on Walker Cup experience

Luke Donald is remembering a piece of advice from his amateur days as he prepares for next week's Ryder Cup.

Donald, winner of the European Masters in Switzerland last weekend, is already in America but will not be travelling from his base in Chicago to Oakland Hills in Detroit until next Monday.

“One thing I learned from my Walker Cup captain Peter McEvoy is not to over-play a course,” said Donald on his website.

“That can get to be monotonous and I want to be fresh next week.

“I’m going to practise really hard Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I might play Medinah on Sunday. That’s a tight course and it might help my preparation.

“But I can’t wait to get there with the rest of the team – its going to be a wonderful experience.”

As for possible partners when the match starts next Friday Donald has no clue yet what Langer is thinking.

“I feel like I can play with anyone, though. I think I have a pretty consistent game. I’ve played with most everyone on the team apart from Darren Clarke.

“I guess one possible pick for me would be Paul Casey, because we played together at the Walker Cup.

“I think Paul and I were good partners there because our games are different. He hits the ball a long way and he’s a good putter, so we could take advantage of the par fives, but my game is pretty straight so we were able to do well on the tight holes too.

“I think Sergio (Garcia) would be a good partner for me, as well. We’ve become good friends and I think when you’re playing partners you need to be friendly and know the guy you’re playing with.

“A lot of the members of the European team are playing well, though, so I think were going to be fine no matter who is my partner.

“I’ve had a few days off, which has been good. I got back to Chicago on Tuesday. It’s nice to be home and have a chance to relax. I stopped in England on the way and saw my family. They were over the moon about my win.

“The whole family will be in Detroit for the Ryder Cup; my mom, my brother Andrew, my sister Eve and her husband Robert, and my girlfriend. My brother Christian will be there caddying for me. It’s going to be great.”