LUKE DONALD will defend his Target World Challenge title this week admitting he has his work cut out to claim back-to-back wins.
Donald came from six shots behind on the final day with a closing 64 last year, beating Ryder Cup teammate Darren Clarke to the £665,753 ($1.3million) first prize.
But the 29-year-old was hardly full of confidence as he travelled to California to take on the likes of world number one and tournament host Tiger Woods after a disappointing performance in the World Cup.
World number nine Donald and partner David Howell were favourites to claim England's second victory in three years in Barbados but struggled to a share of 15th place in the 24-team event as Germany beat Scotland in a play-off to win.
"Last year came as a bit of a surprise, I snuck up on the leaders on the final day (of the Target World Challenge) and overtook them, it was a nice Christmas bonus," Donald said.
"I'm looking forward to it. My coach is meeting me for a couple of days and I'm going to need to get better. It's a tricky course and if you're off line a little bit you can make some big numbers.
"It's fiddly in areas but you really have to be good with your irons so if I'm playing well it's a great course for me. I'm looking forward to going back there and seeing if I can repeat it.
"World ranking points are available which means a lot to go as high as I can and it's a good tune-up for next year.
"I'll have two weeks off after then start up again in Hawaii in January. With a long break it takes me a while to get back into my golf, this time I'm not going to worry."
Donald admits that is something of a double-edged sword however, conceding that fatigue after a long season was one of the factors behind a sluggish display at Sandy Lane.
"I had a great time playing in South Africa last year and I had to say no this time just because I knew it was too much," admitted the Ryder Cup star.
"I wanted to play here and defend next week. Sometimes you have to say no but it's very hard. It's almost like a bonus at the end of the year for your good play, you get to play in these events. It's hard to say no and I guess it's becoming a year-long season now."
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