• US Open

Donald and Westwood aiming to open major accounts

Luke Donald is determined to secure a first major trophy at the US Open © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Woods: McIlroy will take some beating
  
• News: Confident Westwood to stick with new putter
  
• News: British trio grouped at US Open
  
• Profile: Luke Donald | Lee Westwood

Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, ranked first and third respectively in the world standings heading into this week's US Open, are both displaying steely determination as they target the first major success of their careers.

Donald has won six times in the past 16 months and will be going for a first major in his 36th attempt in San Francisco. He also won a second successive BMW PGA Championship three weeks ago at a Wentworth course that is closer to a major lay-out than ever.

Now the 34-year-old is seeking to banish talk that he is unable to make the breakthrough, and believes the appointment of Jonny Wilkinson's former kicking coach Dave Alred to help with the psychological demands could prove key to unlocking the door.

"I lacked a little ruthlessness. That was my nature coming from England," he said.

"Dave wants me to be the hunter, not the fisherman. A fisherman throws it out and hopes to get a fish. A hunter aims straight between the eyes. He wants me to be an assassin - and I'm trying hard for him."

Westwood is keen to dispel similar doubts over his ability to claim a major, as he attempts to do so at the 57th time of asking.

"The majors should be a thorough test of golf and I like to think I've shown my game does rise to the task of being thoroughly tested," he said. "What is my record - seven top threes in the last 15 majors I've played? I'm amazed that some people can class that as a failure. In this period I've finished top three in each of the majors. So my game is suited to all four of them."

Donald and Westwood have been paired with defending champion Rory McIlroy in the first two rounds of the tournament.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.