Encouraging Firestone displays may prove timely for world’s leading duo

Luke Donald and Lee Westwood arrived in Atlanta yesterday for the final major of the year confident that their long wait for a major breakthrough will come to an end at this week’s US PGA Championship.

The world’s top two golfers missed the cut in disappointing fashion at last month’s Open but after registering top-10 finishes at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational they have warmed up nicely.

Donald’s runner-up finish at Akron was his third of the year, and allied with three wins and 18 top-10 finishes, the world No 1 tops both the European and US money lists by a considerable margin.

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“Obviously it’s disappointing that three out of four days I really felt like I gave a lot away on the greens, but it’s probably one of the best ball-striking weeks I’ve had for a while,” he said of his performance at Akron.

“I’m not going to worry too much about the putter. I’ve always felt like I’m a good putter and those things will come around.

“I’ve just got to keep being patient and keep giving myself opportunities.”

Westwood rediscovered the kind of form on the greens that has deserted him in recent months, following sessions with psychologist Dr Bob Rotella and putting guru Dave Stockton. And after a closing 65 at Firestone, he proclaimed his delight that the scoring conditions at Atlanta Athletic Club will provide a sterner test of his consistently-impressive ball striking.

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Westwood plays alongside Matt Kuchar and Jason Day at Atlanta Athletic Club, in the group after this year’s major winners Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke.

Tiger Woods plays with Padraig Harrington, while Yorkshire’s Simon Dyson tees off alongside Trevor Immelman.