• Canadian Open

Donald bemoans 'tough' schedule

Luke Donald will be hoping to improve on a poor showing at last week's Open Championship at Muirfield © Getty Images

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Luke Donald admits he is feeling the effects of his jam-packed schedule ahead of the Canadian Open - but has still vowed to try and etch his name on the trophy as he struggles to rediscover top form.

Less than a week after the Open Championship ended, Donald will tee off at Glen Abbey on Thursday among a strong field including the likes of Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Brandt Snedeker and Hunter Mahan. Next week Donald heads for the World Golf Championship at Oak Hill, and from there the US PGA Championship.

With his schedule allowing no let up, it is conceivable Donald would not have made the journey to Oakville, Ontario this week as he did last year at Hamilton.

However a lot has changed for Donald in the last 12 months. Going into last year's tournament he was world No.1, whereas now he is struggling for form after carding an opening round of 80 at Muirfield before missing the cut.

But Glen Abbey provides Donald with a chance to iron out the kinks before Oak Hill, and add his name to an illustrious list of winners of an historic tournament that began life in 1904 that includes the likes of Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Greg Norman and Tiger Woods.

"Ideally this tournament would be in a different slot," Donald said. "But I'm committed to my agreement with RBC and I'm committed to trying to make this championship as good as it can be, and I will be here trying my hardest.

"This is a National Open, the oldest tournament on the PGA Tour. There are some illustrious winners on that trophy, and I would love to add my name to them.

"It's always easy to be motivated. We're out here trying to win tournaments and that's motivation itself. But this time of year becomes mentally and physically quite draining.

"Obviously coming from the UK to here to a World Golf Championship to another major, it's not ideal to be playing four in a row with the PGA being the fourth and then have the run of FedExCup events.

"So it's tough. You've got to make sure you're efficient with your practice and take some days off when you can.

"It's about balancing your practice and making sure you are ready when Thursday comes.

"It's a tough balancing act. It's something I've had to deal with my whole career. I'm playing both Tours as well. But this year to try and make sure I'm fresh, I've probably played a couple of events less on my schedule than previous years."

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