Donald hoping for American allies at Medinah (From Bucks Free Press)

Donald ready to be Ryder Cup star at his home from home

12:10pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

LUKE Donald tees off in his fourth Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club, Chicago on Friday afternoon, but although the competition is taking place in enemy territory the unflappable Wycombe star will feel quite at home.

In fact, he virtually is at home.

Donald – who boasts Europe’s best win ratio in Ryder Cup history with eight victories from 11 matches – is the only member of either team who lives in Chicago.

He said: “I’m looking for my friends to dilute the atmosphere and perhaps provide us with one per cent extra support that we might not have had.

“I’ve lost count of the number of Chicago people who have said to me they will be rooting for me in my matches, but they want the US to win. So it is going to feel a bit strange, a unique experience in many ways.

“A place where I feel so comfortable and I love is going to feel so alien for a week. But I’m excited about it as well and I’m confident the raucous atmosphere will stay this side of fair.”

Medinah has been tailored to suit the big-hitting Americans, with the rough shaved and the course opened up to make wayward shots less penal.

Donald said: “It’s a very long course but then aren’t they all like that these days?’ “There’s no rough and the greens are pure. So what you’ve got is a course that has been set up to showcase some very exciting golf.

“You’re going to see a lot of putts holed, and guys chipping in.

“I can’t wait. It is going to be a fantastic three days.”