British Open Golf 2011: 4 Reasons Luke Donald Will Never Win the Open

Luke Donald was one of the favourites to lift the claret jug on Sunday, but the World No. 1 failed to make the cut on Friday.

Donald has been the best player on the tour this year, but for many reasons he once again failed to make an impact at the Open.

After finishing six over par, Donald had a miserable second day. In hindsight, a three put on the first hole all but summed up his day.

Donald was not the only big name to miss the cut, however. World No. 2 and fellow Englishman, Lee Westwood, and compatriot Ian Poulter also had a sorry time at St. Georges.

Two-time Open Champion Padraig Harrington and 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell also went home early.

Donald has said that to win the Open Championship he has to improve his game, but here are four reasons why he will never be victorious on home soil.

4. Pressure

There was more pressure upon Donald this year than there has ever been at the Open Championship. As the World No. 1, the expectation is high—not only among the public but from yourself.

Donald also rose expectations by winning the Scottish Open just a week before the Open.

Even if Donald enters the 2012 Open Championship no longer the best player in the world, he will still have the expectations and belief that he is good enough to be at the top.

That, along with the fact that it is a major on home soil, may cause Donald to struggle with the pressure of being one of the best players in the world.

3. Experience

Luke Donald's best performance at the Open Championships was fifth place in 2009, and the future does not look bright.

After missing the cut for the first time since 2004, Donald will be eager to make amends next year. But his record is not very good.

Although he finished inside the Top 20 in 2009 and 2010, Donald had previously struggled to make it inside the Top 30. Missing the cut this year will increase his eagerness to win the tournament, but it will not do him any favours in the long term.

2. Attacking Mentality

Although he has been the best player this year, Donald never seems to attack the golf course.

The Englishman is a safe player who is great if it is target golf. However, the Open Championship is a links tournament, and you have to be able to attack when in trouble.

Unlike Tiger Woods, Donald does not have that ability. Whenever Woods is off the pace, there is always a hint of a comeback because he has the ability to attack and make something happen.

1. His Game

Donald's game is not suited to links golf because he does not play on these type of courses often enough.

The Open Championship often creates an unexpected winner. Not since 2006 has a World No. 1 won this tournament. Even then, Woods was at the height of his career.

For Donald to ever have a chance, he needs to play more links golf. Otherwise he, along with the other top players, is going to continue to struggle.