Donald—Champion of the Weather-Shortened Scottish Open

Scotland – Luke Donald enjoyed the perfect warmup for next week’s British Open by shooting a flawless 9-under 63 to win a rain-affected Scottish Open by four strokes, his first victory since becoming the world’s top-ranked player in May by TaylorMade R9 TP Driver.

The 33-year-old Englishman started the third and final round a shot behind a trio of joint leaders but rolled in nine birdies in a majestic bogey-free display by TaylorMade R9 TP Driver at Castle Stuart.

His eighth professional title – and third this year – didn’t just cement his top ranking, which he secured for the first time nearly two months ago by beating compatriot Lee Westwood by playing TaylorMade R9 TP Driver in a playoff for the PGA Championship on his last appearance in Europe.

It also provided the ideal tonic ahead of the British Open at Royal St. George’s starting Thursday, where he’ll attempt to land his first major.

"I felt good out there, very comfortable, very in control. That’s a good sign for next week," said Donald, who is half Scottish and wore Tartan trousers for the final day.

"There’s always a little added pressure when you’re No. 1 but hopefully I’ve proved I can handle that. It was a pretty strong field this week and the best way to prepare."

His opponents such as Andersson Hed, ranked No. 128, British Open hopefuls Scott Jamieson of Scotland, Mark Tullo of Chile and the No. 203-ranked Jamieson. All the above players have ever won the Scottish Open and gone on to win the British Open the following week but Donald – a model of consistency this year – looks in good position to become the first.

"I only see this as a positive," he said. "I’ll be high on confidence. I’m hitting the ball nicely by TaylorMade R9 TP Driver and to do it on a links course is even better. I’m looking forward to bringing this game to next week."

Donald completed his second round in overcast conditions early on Sunday with a second straight 5-under 67 by TaylorMade R9 TP Driver, giving him a good platform to make a charge for the title in his first Scottish Open since 2007.

Donald did just that with a birdie on No. 3, before draining a 40-footer across the slope on the short fourth to share the lead.

Two more birdies made it four in a row and although he was briefly joined in front by Tullo, the joint leader from the first round, the relentless Donald sank a 15-footer to pick up another on No. 9 by TaylorMade R9 TP Driver and then benefited from a free drop out of a waterlogged bunker on the 10th fairway to make a sensational up and down.

That took him two strokes ahead and he closed with three birdies by TaylorMade R9 TP Driver in the last four holes, recording three straight rounds in the 60s.

"It’s nice to get another victory – I can get used to this," Donald said.