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The 45-year-old Briton last won a title in 2012 when he was the world’s number one golfer – a position he held for a total of 56 weeks in 2011-12 – and was on both sides of the Atlantic. regular champion.
Now ranked 541st, Donald’s name rarely appears on leaderboards, but his profile was boosted by his Ryder Cup captaincy against Team USA outside Rome in September.
With a win at Yas Island Links this week, he may have a chance to be a field captain.
“I think the last time this happened was in 1975,” Donald laughs. “No, we’re a long way from that.”
Still, the likes of Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood — who are expected to play on Team Europe at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club — couldn’t live with Donald as morning starters scored lower before the wind picked up afternoon.
Guido Migliozzi — an Italian with a chance at the Ryder Cup — and Australia’s Jason Scrivener shot 65s to stay one shot behind the leaders. Irishman Seamus Bauer, also a Ryder Cup hopeful, had a 66 and was alone in fourth place with only 18 players yet to complete their round when play was halted due to poor lighting.
Lowry, No. 1 player on the floor, revives Italy Francis MolinariHad a strong showing at the Hero Cup last week, shooting a 5-under seven after a 67.
Fleetwood hits 66 on his 32nd birthday Henrik Stensonplaying his first tournament on the European Tour since losing his Ryder Cup captaincy when he joined LIV Golf six months ago.
Lee Westwood had a 69 and LIV golfer Patrick Reed had an even-par 72 and was eight shots behind Donald, who said he wasn’t surprised by the low shot.
“It just kind of suits my eyes,” he said. “It’s not too tight off the tee. You have to pick some good lines.
“I actually had higher expectations for my game this year than I’ve ever had. You know when you’ve got a pretty good swing … Honestly, I think my game is pretty good.”
Migliozzi would say the same. After starring in the Heroes Cup at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Migliozzi was tied for the top scorer, no bogeys, five birdies and an eagle on Thursday for the No. The 10th hole for bogey — when he holed out with a wedge from 89 yards.
“The work I’m doing and the work I’m doing over the winter is fine,” he said.
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