Luke Donald insists he can still win on DP World Tour ahead of India Championship

The Englishman hasn’t played in many tournaments over recent years, largely due to his role as Ryder Cup captain.

The 46-year-old showed some form last weekend at LIV Houston when he carded 12-under-par over three rounds.

If all goes well this week at DP World Tour India Championship, then there may be even more reason for belief.

Luke Donald backs himself to win again on the DP World Tour

Between 2011 and 2012, Luke Donald reached world number one four times, a run that underlined his quality during his peak years.

He’s won five times on the PGA Tour and has another seven titles on the DP World Tour, although it’s been more than 13 years since he last lifted a trophy.

Donald said: “Yeah, I always still believe in the back of my mind that I can put four rounds together and have a chance to win.”

“I think in the last few years, looking at my results, my expectations have definitely changed. But I still like to work at it. I like to see if I can improve.”

“I like to put myself in those situations where you have good rounds and you feel those tensions, the energy flowing again, and it’s just nice to kind of experience that.”

“Yeah, it’s always going to be hard for me to win. I certainly haven’t put enough time into my game individually in the last six months, especially leading up to New York.

Donald discusses course fit ahead of the India Championship

Luke Donald has an improved chance at this week’s DP World Tour India Championship compared to most other tournaments on the calendar.

The course in New Delhi isn’t long, and its layout suits his strengths as a precise iron player rather than someone who relies on power off the tee.

He’s also been warned about the rough, which is much more punishing than what players typically face in modern events.

“Yeah, I think in modern-day golf, you don’t think about course management too much these days. You’re just trying to hit the ball as far as you can and hope you can get as close to the green as you can, and that gives you a better statistical option to make birdies,” he continued.

“Whereas this course, the penalty for missing the fairways… I haven’t been out there, but I’ve been told it’s quite severe. It really makes you think.”

“So you’re having to dial back and hit clubs that will give you a better chance to hit the fairways, some long irons, rescues and less than driver.”

“I think it creates a little bit more thought process, a little bit more course management. You’ve got to plot your way around a course like this and going back to my good days playing, those are the courses I really loved – Hilton Heads – places like that.”