Luke Donald considered quitting golf

Luke Donald has admitted that he considered quitting golf after enduring a difficult couple of years.

After the Masters last April, the former world no. 1 dropped out of the top 50 and just seven months before had failed to make Paul McGinley’s 2014 Ryder Cup team.

Donald, who hasn’t won on the PGA or European Tour since 2012, conceded that his struggles led to him seriously considering leaving the game.

“My confidence had taken a big knock and I asked myself if I wanted to continue doing this,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“But then I told myself to not be a baby, to grow up and realise how lucky I was. I was still playing golf for a living.”

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The Hemel Hempstead-born player finished T5 at the British Masters last year and T7 at the Scottish Open, as well as recording two Top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour.

He was also forced to qualify for the US Open at Chambers Bay and The Open Championship at St Andrews.

Donald went to respected psychologist Michael Gervais in a bid to reclaim his mental strength.

“He just reminded me that it’s up to me what mood or mindset I’m in,” said Donald.

“When you’re in a slump it’s easy to forget you’re still the one who is in control.”

A change of caddie added to the uncertainty, with long-time bagman John McLaren joining Paul Casey.

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Donald is currently no. 78 in the world rankings, sandwiched in between American Brendan Steele and fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood respectively.

He will need a solid start to the year if he is to find a way back into the Top 50 in time for the Masters.