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Luke Donald answers YOUR questions

Feedback for the forum on his way to Augusta

Posted: 26 March 2007
by Bob Warters

Luke Donald - answers your questions

Luke Donald took time off from finishing in a tie for 26th place in the World Golf Championship CA event in blustery Florida to exclusively answer questions from Golfmagic forum members.

Over 50 of you submitted questions to Luke - for the chance to win a Mizuno Bettinardi putter and three Skintite gloves.

At the Blue Monster course at Doral, Luke shot rounds of 74, 70,75 and 71 to finish on two over par, 12 behind the winner Tiger Woods and now heads for Augusta for a few days acclimatisation before the US Masters which starts on April 5.

Joe Burroughes, a solicitor from Norfolk, who wins a Bettinardi putter as used by Luke, asked: "What gives you most satisfaction, your painting or your golf? And If you could paint just one golfer, on one hole, on any course in the world, who would it be, and where?

Luke replied: "Definitely my golf gives me most satisfaction, Joe. I like to paint, although infrequently, but my true passion is golf. I practice hard to try and be the best I can be.

But if I had to paint a golfer, it would have to be one of the greats. Probably Ben Hogan, as he had great form. I'd have liked to see him playing the 16th at Cypress Point so that would be the setting for a painting.

David Williams asked: "How many combinations of head/shaft/grip do you have to try on on the Mizuno MP-67s, before you find the perfect combination and what are the major factors for you in deciding what works best?"

Says Luke: "When it comes to what irons I play, for the last 6 or 7 years, I've played the same combination of shaft and grip, so that's an easy one. I play Dynamic Gold s300 steel shafts and use a Tour velvet grip with one layer of tape. For the last two years I've played the Mizuno MP-32 irons which are working just great. My irons are pretty much a standard set, apart from the bounce on the underside of the irons, which I have rounded a little more than standard so that they go through the turf more easily.

Richard Wildsmith, from Barnsley asked Luke: "As a multiple winner on Tour and (and millionaire), what is your favourite indulgence?"

Luke replied: "Being a part of the Tiger era, I'm lucky to be able to play for as much money as I do, Richard. My biggest indulgence has been properties. I have an apartment in Chicago and a house in Florida. I live in Chicago in the summers and Florida in the winters, so am able to practice all year round. This also allows me to be as well prepared as I possibly can."

The final question came from Andrew Rose: "How similar are the feelings you experienced between your first ever professional tournament victory and your 2006 success? Does victory mean different things now? Has the excitement diminished?"

Luke replied: "Winning is everything, Andrew, and it never gets diminished. I practice hard so I can get into contention and feel the excitement of being in the hunt. Sealing the deal and picking up the trophy is the best feeling of all. The first one was very special, but my 2006 victory at the Honda Classic was just as pleasing."

Luke to launch his own wine

Luke and his fiancée Diane Antonopoulos, who plan to marry in June on a Greek Island, is currently working with Bill and Debbie Terlato to produce his own blend of wine from the Rutherford Hill winery in the Californian Napa Valley.

"I've always tried to surround myself with premier brands to elevate my brand," said Donald, who already has contracts with Mizuno, Polo, Rolex and the Royal Bank of Scotland. "Whenever I've done any deals it wasn't really about chasing money. It's about situating myself with the right kind of brands. It's a kind of lifestyle, in a way.

"Every time I tell people (about the wine) they are very interested and getting involved in the process is what makes it really fun. I don't want to just open my first bottle of wine and have no idea of what it tastes like. So I'm excited. "

The wine, which has yet to be named, will be bottled in August and be released in April or May next year. It's anticipated that Donald, who majored in art theory and practice at Northwestern University in Chicago, will create his own artwork for the label.

Previous article:
Devonian delights at Bovey

Nicklaus 'No' to honorary task at Augusta

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Bob Warters

Here's a chance to ask Luke Donald a question. In association with Mizuno Europe we're aiming to get in touch with the young Briton in the next few weeks to throw some questions at him from the Golfmagic forum. If you've got a question you'd like considered, post it here. Furthermore Mizuno is offering a Bettinardiputter and three SkinTite leather Pro gloves (both putter and gloves are used by Luke) for the best four submissions. ED
Posted: 23/02/2007 15:24

Colin

The thing that impresses me about Luke is his balance through the swing.

Is it something that he works on or does it just happen ?
Does he conciously put his weight on any part of his feet ?

Many thanks for the opportunity to ask Luke a question and best wishes to Luke.

Posted: 23/02/2007 16:07

LGL (5)

Who is/was the biggest influence in his amateur game which gave him the confidence to turn Pro?

Posted: 23/02/2007 17:26

Lee Dossetter

Do you see yourself in years to come being the Monty type figure in the european team.
Posted: 23/02/2007 17:37

Paul W

is this the year he believes {as many of us hope} that he can win one of the 4 majors in Golf ? -- if so which one does he feel he's best in line / most suited / has the game for the course - to win ?

if he finds himself in that position come the last 9 on the Sunday does he feel he has the inner strength to finish the job off ?
Posted: 23/02/2007 17:38

Scott

What is the hardest thing about being a pro?
What advice would you give to junior golfers such as myself?

Best of luck in the Masters
Posted: 23/02/2007 20:45

adey

Who is his favourite practice partner? and what is the best shot he has ever hit?
Posted: 23/02/2007 21:15

j1mb0 (14)

Luke, in your diary you mention that comparisons have been raised between your game and Nick Faldo's. Which aspect of his game, when he was in his Pringle-wearing pomp, did you most admire?
Posted: 23/02/2007 22:00

Sean Fitzgerald 2

Having your brother as your caddy must have its good points and bad points, over the years he's caddied for you, how many times have you threatened to sack him
Posted: 24/02/2007 22:13

Sean McDonald

Luke, Could you give us one swing thought or something that you think is vital that we mortals forget/ignore?
Posted: 25/02/2007 14:18

Bas van Wijngaarden

Dear Luke,

How do you go on testing those new MP-67?
what do you look for?

- More distance?
- Ballflight?
- Look and feel?

with regards

Bas van Wijngaarden
Posted: 26/02/2007 09:52

Beast of Barnsley (5.2)

With regards to testing new clubs:-

Do you really see a marked difference between different sets of clubs in terms of performance or because you hit the middle of the clubs so much - does it make little difference.
Posted: 26/02/2007 09:59

Rhys Morgan (8.2)

Morning

I appreciate luke has heard enough about the briton's major drought over the past few seasons, so i wont go there, but i am curious to know his feelings over the US PGA monopoly of major championships?!

Why should america host 3 of the 4 majors, and why should augusta be a major at all with its antiquated attitude towards women, and the fact that it is the same course each year!!!

surely a global tour would make more sense, with there being a major in each continent in a similiar fashion to teh tennis tour?

Golf would travel the world, allowing more people to see our great game, bringing those players (American's mainly) out of their respective tours so we can see just how good they are playing in different conditions week in week out!

Good luck with the rest of the season!

Cheers

Rhys Morgan
Posted: 26/02/2007 11:12

Beast of Barnsley (5.2)

As a multiple winner on Tour and also a multi-millionaiire - what is your favorite indulgence?
Posted: 26/02/2007 13:50

Sham 28

How do you Focus with all thats going on around you, what single thing blocks it all out and allows you to Focus?.

( no you can't become a Shambler):O)
Posted: 26/02/2007 18:49

Andrew Rose

How tiring is it physically and mentally to play in one tournament (assuming you make the cut) and what do you think are the maximum number of consecutive weeks you could play without your game suffering?
Posted: 27/02/2007 08:50

Andrew Rose

How similar are the feelings you experienced between your first ever professional tournament victory and your 2006 success? Does victory mean different things now and is the excitement diminished at all now that are enjoying success?
Posted: 27/02/2007 08:53

David B 197

Hi Luke

What do you think is the weakest aspect of your game and how do you approach improving it?

thanks
David
Posted: 27/02/2007 10:05

Nudga

Hi Luke,

How many hole in ones have you had ?

Also, when was the last time you "topped or Shanked" a ball...?

Good luck for the season ahead

Cheers
Dave
Posted: 27/02/2007 19:49

Doodles 10.0

Luke - I live in the same area that you first played golf in (High Wycombe) and play at Flackwell Heath Golf Club - my question is this - which course did you most prefer in the area and why?
Posted: 28/02/2007 11:06

Hatstand 16.7

Luke, how many combinations of head/shaft/grip do you have to try on for example,the MP67's, before you find the perfect combination and what are the major factors for you in deciding what works best?
Posted: 28/02/2007 11:32

Lawman 4.8

Luke,

What gives you more satisfaction, your painting or your golf? If you could paint just one golfer, on one hole, on any course in the world, who would it be, and where?
Posted: 28/02/2007 11:54

shakey

If you could be a famous superhero from a comic book, who would you be and why?
Posted: 28/02/2007 17:35

dub (7.5)

Luke,

You are the only one of the up and coming younger players, that i've heard, to state publicly that you think you can beat tiger to no.1.

Do you think that not enough players believe they can beat tiger? giving him the edge. And your thoughts generally on the overall importance of the mental side of the game to achieving success, both for the tour star like yourself and the regular golfer.

Thanks
Posted: 28/02/2007 18:08

Rhys Morgan (8.2)

Hi Luke

I was watching the golf the other day and one of the commentators claimed that it can be a very lonely place on the course, but is this true!?

how do you cope with all the crowds, the rules officials, and the hundreds of tv cameras and personnel while playing, not to mention when you tee it up with tiger and his endless number of security guards and fans?!

what happens if Ken Brown tries to do a link to camera while discussing your lie for your second shot and he moves you ball!!!????

Cheers

Rhys
Posted: 01/03/2007 08:54

Tom Wilkinson 8

Do you visit out-of-the-way links courses to tune up before the Open? If so, which lesser known links have you enjoyed in previous years?

Posted: 01/03/2007 16:20

Chris M.

Hey Luke, you are definitely our family's favorite golfer. What is your practice routine on the putting green?

I still have the ball you gave me at a tournament with you autograph. Thanks!

Posted: 02/03/2007 20:40

Burner

Luke

If you could give one piece of advice to the average amateur golfer that would help him or her play better, what would it be?

All the best
Neil
Posted: 02/03/2007 23:17

David Bridger

Luke,

Hypothetically speaking, if your 2006 season's average driving distance stat was 50 yards more, where in the World Rankings do you think you might be now?

Have a good year.

Dave.
Posted: 03/03/2007 02:43

Gary Topp

Luke,
There is obviously a great deal made about the Ryder Cup. It seems amazing that so many of the Europeans can play so well during the three days. What is your take on the difference? Why do you think the cup is so special? And do you think the Americans care about it as much? All the best for 2007, lets hope it brings a major.
Gary.
Posted: 03/03/2007 08:04

Thomas Melican

Hi Luke,
When you play a shot what is going through your mind?. You have decided the distance and the club and where you want to play the ball. Do you have a mental/physical pattern you follow?.i.e. slow back,full turn,etc.or do you visualise the swing and the result and play without any thought of the mechanics of the swing?.
Love to hear what you do as you play the ball.
Best wishes Tom Wrinklie Golfer
Posted: 03/03/2007 08:13

Keith Proctor

how do you overcome first tee nerves.
i would guess many average club players get these even when they are playing rounds with friends.
that feeling of cocking up on the first stroke,especially if other people are waiting and watching usually makes you do just that.
Posted: 03/03/2007 11:30

Trevor Swann 2

Luke, on occasions there must be a temptation to try and match some of the big hitters for distance off the tee. What aspects of your driving technique do you concentrate on to keep your drives smooth and on target rather than striving for extra distance?
Posted: 03/03/2007 17:31

Alan Baker

luke,do you think that if you played in america most of the time,you would become a better player,if yes,why?
Posted: 03/03/2007 19:26

Pete Wells

With regard to the Masters, Augusta seems a very unique golfing experience.
Do you do anything different to practice for the year's first major, and what can you do to prepare for greens that severe ?

(Best of luck - I'm sure a green jacket is coming your way soon)
Posted: 03/03/2007 19:54

Kenneth Harper

I was interestd to read your statement 'I think the better you get, the more mental the game of golf becomes.'
Paticularly for Professionals I would reverse that statement to 'I think the more mental the game of golf becomes the better you get.'
On a scale of 1 to 20 [20 being the highest belief and 1 being the lowest] where would you consider your belief that you CAN win a major be.?
Posted: 04/03/2007 15:21

GRAHAM aldis 2

It has been said in many quarters that you are one of our brightest hopes of winning a major how much more pressure does this put on your game? and how close do you feel you are to fulfilling this?
Posted: 04/03/2007 17:41

David Beale

Hello Luke

If you get a new club(s) what processes do you go through ie practice / tests etc do you go through before you make the commitment to use that new club(s) in your next tournament?
Posted: 05/03/2007 12:01

Colin Thompson 6

Luke,
You say that you need to be the best on and around the greens. I'm sure that you have spent alot of practice time on this crucual aspect already.

Do you have a specific plan in mind to help you improve further?
Posted: 05/03/2007 14:39

cass

luke ,
start of a new season two questions firstly what will be in your bag for this season and if you have changed anything can you tell me why . secondly people say you wont win the masters as you do not have the distance that is needed but you are more suited to win the uspga what do you say about this ?
ps how scottish do you feel as i consider you more scottish than english , from one of your many scottish fans. have a great season and i hope you reach your goals.
Posted: 06/03/2007 09:48

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