Luke Donald turns to NBA legend Michael Jordan for career advice
World number three Luke Donald has turned to NBA great, Michael Jordan, in a bid to shake off the unwanted tag of being ‘one of the best golfers never to win a major’.
The British golfer dominated the sport in 2011, becoming the first player to win the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic and spending the bulk of the year at the top of the world rankings – but he has struggled to replicate that form at the majors.
He starts his season at the Northern Trust Open in California this week and has been explaining why he’s working with Jordan – who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls between 1991-98.
“He’s good for the mind. He’s been making sure I’m ready mentally,” he told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
“It’s been good to pick Michael’s brains and find out what he was thinking about when he was playing basketball. He’s always trying to play mind games, he doesn’t like to lose.”
Jordan, who averaged 30.1 points per game during a phenomenal basketball career, is also an accomplished golfer with a handicap of four.
Donald hopes fellow Chicago resident Jordan can unlock the key to playing his best at the year’s four majors, starting with the US Masters in April.
“Although I was content with how I played last year – I won three times on three different continents – I was once again disappointed with how I performed in the majors,” said Donald.
“I played solidly enough at the Open (where he finished tied fifth) but the other three were nothing to write home about. I’ve got to figure out a way to be competitive at the majors – that’s the main aim this year.
“The plan before the majors this year is to go to each course early and have a few days to get familiar with it. I’ve not played Merion (US Open course) and haven’t played Muirfield (Open) for years.”
The Masters take place from April 11-14, the US Open in Pennsylvania is from June 13-16, the British Open in Scotland is from July 18-21 and the US PGA Championship in New York will be contested from August 8-11.
