BANGKOK, 14 Nov 2014 (HK Golfer News Wire) - Donaldson, who secured the winning point for Europe at Gleneagles in September when he defeated American Keegan Bradley in the final-day singles, will be making his debut in the Asian Tour event, which takes place from December 11-14 at the award-winning Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi.
The 39-year-old Welshman, who currently lies in second place in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai thanks to an enormously consistent season that included victory at the D+D REAL Czech Masters, is in the form of his life and will take his place in the illustrious field alongside the likes of two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, reigning US Open winner Martin Kaymer, South African legend Ernie Els and fellow Ryder Cup teammates Lee Westwood, Victor Dubuisson and defending champion Sergio Garcia.
"I’ve had a very solid year - there’s no question about that - but it could turn into a really great one with a win in Thailand,” said Donaldson, who has risen to a career-high of 24th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
"The event always attracts world-class players, which is definitely part of the appeal for me, and I’ve heard plenty of great things about the golf course, so it’s shaping up to be a fantastic week.”
Donaldson, who was selected to represent Europe at the inaugural EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur in March, showed he has what it takes to compete with the world’s best with a tie for second at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in the early part of the season.
A top-15 at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National soon followed, as did back-to-back fifth place finishes at the BMW International Open and Alstom Open de France respectively. His win in the Czech Republic in September, which was his third on the European Tour, was the start of a brilliant run that has seen him notch a further three top-10 places, including a tie for fourth at the BMW Masters two weeks ago in Shanghai.
But the highlight for the amiable Donaldson was undoubtedly his appearance at the Ryder Cup, where he belied his rookie status with a brilliant performance over the three days. In partnership with close friend Westwood, Donaldson recorded two wins in the foursomes before that crucial victory over Bradley in the singles, which he wrapped up by hitting a wedge to within inches of the hole to seal Europe’s third straight victory over the Americans.
"The Ryder Cup was an incredible week - something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” said Donaldson. “It’s hard to describe how good it is. There’s nothing else like it in golf - a total one-off - and it was just amazing to be a part of it.”