Luke Donald missed the cut in a regular European Tour event for the first time in his professional career at the Maybank Malaysian Open, but he is not concerned this has damaged his prospects for next month’s Masters Tournament.
The Englishman posted rounds of 74 and 73 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club for a three over par total – three off the cut mark – and was uncharacteristically out of form with the putter.
With the Masters Tournament just under three weeks away though, Donald is confident he can sharpen up in time as he goes in search of his first Major title.
“I’ve got a couple of weeks off to get ready for Augusta and I’ll obviously be very diligent in my preparation,” said the 35 year old. “I would have loved to go back home in form, but in golf you just never know.
“We’ve seen it many times before when people go into tournaments with very little form and win – including Majors. So you just have to keep plugging and hope it’s your turn.
“The greens here are very different from what I play on. They are a little slower than what I’m used to and I just didn’t adjust or adapt to them.
“I just couldn’t read them for the life of me. I’d think it was right to left and it went the other way. I got John (his caddie) to read a few too and we were seeing the same things.”
The two-time BMW PGA Championship winner is renowned for his brilliant short game, but he admits it needs a little work before he heads to Augusta National for the first Major of the season.
“The usual scoring clubs for me – from 100 yards and in – weren’t good enough,” Donald added. “It’s been a little bit that way the last few tournaments, but it’s something that never really worries me because I know they are my strengths.
“Tee to green I wasn’t that far off. But it’s the first time I’ve missed the cut in a regular European Tour event since I’ve been a pro. So I’m very disappointed for myself and disappointed for the fans who have come out to watch me.
“It would have been nice to play a couple more rounds and shown them a few birdies, which were few and far between this week unfortunately.”
