• European Tour

Talent isn't everything, Donald warns McIlroy

ESPN staff
December 7, 2011
Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy are vying to win the Race to Dubai © Getty Images
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Luke Donald says he was misunderstood regarding his claims that Rory McIlroy is more talented than Tiger Woods, insisting Woods remains the greatest player he has faced.

With Donald bidding to become the first man to top both the PGA Tour and European Tour money lists in the same season, the world No. 1 was gushing in his praise of McIlroy, who is the only man capable of denying Donald the Race to Dubai title at this week's Dubai World Championships.

Donald, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Wednesday, claimed McIlroy had "more pure talent" than 14-time major champion Woods, who ended a two-year title drought at the weekend.

But the world No. 1 took to Twitter to clarify his comments, claiming Woods remains the best all-round player and warned McIlroy that talent alone is not enough to bring lasting success.

"A few people aren't understanding what I meant," Donald wrote on his Twitter page. "The word talent and Rory to me means a free flowing swing who makes everything look so easy. TW has always been the best at getting the ball in the hole when it mattered the most. That's not just talent that's something else too.

"Talent can only take you so far, you need the right attitude (mindset) and application to perform at the highest level. [I'd] never try to disrespect Tiger in any way. He is still the greatest player I have played with."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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