Luke Donald confident he can catch-up

Luke Donald launches his 2013 campaign at the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles today and is not worried he has already allowed some of his rivals to steal a march on him.

The world No3 last played in November, when he finished equal third in the European Tour’s World Tour Championship in Dubai.

In Donald’s absence, Tiger Woods has strengthened his grip on the No2 ranking by winning the Farmers Insurance Open, while fellow American Brandt Snedeker has jumped up to fourth following victory at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am last week.

Donald, however, is not fazed and is content with being properly rested. “I’ve been around the Tour long enough to know that it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” said the Englishman. “It’s about positioning yourself. It’s a long season and it’s hard to find breaks and it’s hard to find time where you can actually work on your swing to try to make some improvements with your game.

“So I took a decent amount of time off but I feel rested and ready to go. I’ve been working hard on the swing and I’m looking forward to starting here this week.”

Donald will be paired in the first two rounds at Riviera Country Club with Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and Australian Adam Scott — both of whom have also enjoyed extended breaks.