Luke Donald’s second round at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday was one to remember, as the winning-Ryder Cup captain made a hole-in-one at the par-three fourth
After the Ryder Cup captain made a hole-in-one in Friday’s second round, Luke Donald gave a glass of champagne to the international press covering this week’s Dubai Desert Classic.
On Friday, Donald made a hole-in-one from the tee box on the par-three fourth hole after a flawless eight-iron traveled the 186 yards. It was also a crucial one for the Englishman, who finished one-under-par for the competition and on the right side of the cut line, securing his spot for the weekend.
Following the event, Donald demonstrated his class by giving each member of the media covering the Emirates Golf Club a glass of champagne.
But what made it even more amazing was Donald’s evaluation afterward, when the European captain said that his ace in the desert was actually his 19th overall. “I believe that was my nineteenth tournament win overall out of the three I’ve had.
I’ve thus had some luck when it comes to hole-in-ones. I apologize to everyone who has never experienced one. It’s obvious that I took them. Following the event, Donald talked candidly about his ace at number 19, saying that initially he did not even see his ball go into the hole until people around the green started to celebrate.
Yes, the fourth hole is 183 yards and slightly to the right. I just cleared this small hill with a cut 8-iron. These days, I don’t have the best vision. Though I couldn’t see them, I could see some people bouncing up and down behind the green. Nice to have one of those, too bad it wasn’t captured on camera.
It was the high point of an otherwise strong round of golf for the Englishman, who finished with a 71 in the sweltering heat of the Middle East. Donald confirmed he made the weekend with the help of his ace, despite bogeys at the first, eighth, and 12th. He found birdies at the 16th and 18th.
Naturally, Donald’s focus has been diverted from his own game in recent months. He led Europe to the Ryder Cup in October of last year before being reappointed in November for 2025. The former world number one was therefore extremely happy with his first 36 holes.
“It’s a good test out there, and I’m pretty pleased with that because I haven’t played a lot of competitive golf in the last four months,” he continued.Yes, there is a great deal of value there.
“Yesterday, I hit the ball really nicely.” I didn’t get as much use out of it today for greens. Off the tee a little loose. However, I’ve played iron quite well overall. I’m delighted with some new irons I’ve been using; they seem to be functioning fairly well.
