Luke Donald excited by Masters debut

Britain's Luke Donald believes he can maintain his habit of excelling on his debut at top events when he tees off for the first time at the U.S. Masters on Thursday.

Many are tipping Donald to be only the fourth maiden winner on the famous Augusta course, and Donald is relishing the prospect of proving them right.

"I'm playing as good as I've ever played and very happy with the way my game is right now," said Donald on Tuesday after warming up on the course.

"It's very important where you place your shots here, especially hitting the greens, and that is one of the strengths of my game."

Donald is one of 15 players debuting this week at Augusta and, arguably, in with the best chance of following Horton Smith (1934), Gene Sarazen (1935) and Fuzzy Zoeller (1979) as a maiden winner of the event.

His credentials for achieving the feat make good reading. He was a World Cup winner with Paul Casey for England last year on his first time out while he also tasted victory in his first appearance in the Ryder Cup.

Donald enjoyed two wins within a few weeks on his first proper run on the European Tour last year and two second places this early season on the U.S. Tour, including runner-up at the Players Championship.

"I've had a chance to have a good look at the course and it's a pretty special place," added Donald, whose second place in the Buick Invitational in early season sent him to 16th in the world rankings.

"There is a great atmosphere here and one I think I will enjoy."