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 Having not won a tournament on a major golf tour since topping the
world rankings in 2012 and falling out of the top 50 last May, the
Englishman considered walking away from the game.
"My confidence had taken a big knock and I asked myself if I wanted
to continue doing this," Donald told the London Telegraph.
"I wasn't enjoying it, finding it so very hard and could not see
much light at the end of the tunnel. But then I told myself not to
be a baby, to grow up and realise how lucky I was. I was still
playing golf for a living."
The 38-year-old Donald, who is married with three young daughters,
sought out sports psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais to help him
refocus on the game.
"He just reminded me that it's up to me what mood or mindset I'm
in," Donald told the Telegraph. "When you're in a slump it's easy to
forget you're still the one who is in control."
Donald regrouped and qualified for both the U.S. Open and the
British Open, although he managed only one top-five finish on the
season at the British Masters.
Now ranked 78th in the world, Donald has returned to former coach
Pat Goss and said he feels confident heading into the 2016 season.
Donald is in the field at the Sony Open in Hawaii this week, and
will be joined by new caddie Mick Doran after John MacLaren left to
work with fellow Englishman Paul Casey.
Donald must win on the PGA Tour or climb into the top 50 in the
world rankings to qualify for his 12th consecutive Masters in April.
He also has yet to qualify for the U.S. Open or British Open.
There is also the opportunity to earn a spot on captain Darren
Clarke's Ryder Cup team.
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"There was a time where I kept looking at the world rankings and
kept seeing myself slipping," Donald told the Telegraph. "And I
think that's the wrong approach. I've always been most successful
when I have a plan and stick to it. Every day try to get a little
better, incremental improvement. Of course, the goal is to get back
in the top 50, then get back in the top 25, start getting some top
10s again, start winning tournaments again and just get back into
that feeling.
"I think I have a little bit of a way to go, but I'm feeling
confident that I can get back to at least close to the level I was a
few years ago. I felt like it was very close the last few months. It
just didn't quite click. I haven't had that one breakout win to kind
of get the confidence going enough. But certainly I feel optimistic
about my chances going forward."
Donald has watch a young group of English golfers surpass him in the
world rankings, but he knows first hand that it is difficult to stay
on top in such a competitive sports.
"You know, it's not that difficult to fall down in the rankings.
I've experienced that a little bit myself," Donald said. "Look at
Tiger. For 10 years he was unstoppable, unbeatable and this just
shows how fickle this game is, how many ebbs and flows there is to
it, and how hard it is."
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