• Open Championship

True test awaits players - Donald

ESPN staff
July 13, 2011
There are daunting challenges facing the players at Sandwich

ESPN will be providing comprehensive coverage of the Open Championship, with live scores, news and all the reaction from Royal St George's

Luke Donald has admitted he will head into this week's Open Championship high on confidence and targeting his first major win.

Donald has proved himself on the world stage in the past 12 months and a string of wins, including at the Scottish Open last weekend, have cemented his position as world No. 1.

The Englishman is aware that a major is missing from his CV and he will have to cope with the pressure of being one of the favourites.

"My confidence is high," Donald said. "I have just come off winning last week and am top of the world rankings so everything is going to plan. What is left is to contend and win a major. Hopefully that can happen this year and will be special and is what I am trying to do."

Donald, Lee Westwood and US Open champion Rory McIlroy dominate the betting lists and it is a position he is happy to take on.

"We all start even," Donald said. "There are benefits and negatives of being the favourite. There is more pressure but some added confidence."

The players have been greeted by blustery conditions during practice at Royal St George's and Donald feels it will be a true test of golfing ability.

He said "I am sure the R&A would like the wind to stay like this, it would be a challenge. It will be mentally and physically tiring and you will have to work on the control of your ball."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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