World Number One Luke Donald is looking to rekindle some fond memories of Northern Scotland at this week’s Barclays Scottish Open.
The event has switched from Loch Lomond to Castle Stuart Golf Links, just ten miles down the road from 1999 Walker Cup venue Nairn.
Donald teamed up with Paul Casey to secure a maximum four points on that occasion, as Great Britain & Ireland beat the United States 15-9.
“It was a fantastic week,” recalled the Englishman. “I remember huge crowds. Obviously a great final singles day. I know it was quite close up until the singles and then we kind of ran away with it.
“I remember partnering with Paul Casey a couple of team matches, and going 4 0. So it's really - I guess it was the start of my great run of match play results.”
The 33 year old faces a crucial couple of weeks – after playing here he will try and back-up his rise to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking with a first Major at The Open Championship.
“I haven't played the Scottish for a few years since it was back at Loch Lomond,” he added. “I always felt like playing links golf leading into the British Open is very important, and hence, I'm here. I'm looking forward to getting that feel back and getting that spirit of links golf.
“We hardly ever play links golf. It's just a different style. It's very different to what I play week in, week out. So it takes some time to adjust to where to land the ball, those chip and run shots you get a lot. It's just a little bit of a different style, but you have to kind of re learn and remember. So it takes some time.
“There are some golfers that don't practice that much and rely on natural ability. I feel like I have to go out there and work at it. Otherwise, I don't feel prepared when it comes to Thursday.
“Obviously this week I'll probably be even doing a little bit more than I would usually just in preparation for next week, really being diligent about putting in the time and feeling that when it comes to Thursday next week, I'm ready to go. I've got no excuses and nothing to be worried about. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out and I've put the time in.”
