Donald Almost Quit Golf after a Four-year Barren Spell

Ryder Cup star Luke Donald has revealed he almost called time on his career after failing to register a major tour victory for four years.

The former world No 1 has dropped down the world rankings since his last European Tour success at the BMW PGA Championship in 2012.

The Englishman admitted he had begun questioning the wisdom of playing week in, week out with little reward until a timely return to form last weekend.

A joint runner-up finish at the RBC Heritage,two shots adrift of South Africa’s Branden Grace, has rekindled his appetite for the game and he is looking to continue his upward curve at the Texas Open – live on Sky Sports – this weekend.

Donald, who moved up from 95 to 68 in the world rankings thanks to his high finish at Harbour Town, told Sky Sports News HQ: “It’s been very tough and at times I even thought ‘do I want to continue working this hard and not getting much out of it?’

“Certainly when you are playing well and competing each week the game seems pretty easy but the real aim is when you are not playing well how many times can you go out there and keep working until something clicks.

“Obviously last week was hopefully a big step in the right direction for me.”