When you have played a round at The Open Championship in the company of Tiger Woods you get to know a lot about distractions and how to handle them.

So, no, Luke Donald is not fazed by being asked to play with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson today.

Donald was in Woods's company two years ago and again in this year's United States Open. The Englishman has partnered quite a few big names and rather than being irritated or being in awe of them, he finds their proximity inspiring.

"It's going to be an experience of a lifetime," he said about tee-ing up with Nicklaus in his farewell major at St Andrews. "I can't wait to get out there.

"Somebody told me to take earplugs because there's going to be a lot of applause but hopefully I can use the vibes from the crowd to my own advantage, use their energy to spur me on.

"I also know that Jack is going to be very professional out there. He's not going to be stopping and waving at everybody, he's going to carry on like it's any other round."

Having finished third in this year's US Masters, Donald is carrying the expectations of a large chunk of the British golfing public.

There is a smaller version of the Tim Henman Syndrome in operation but Donald is unconcerned. "My form is pretty good so there's no need to feel any pressure," he said.

Donald, while a prominent member of what is known as the young set and a very worthy talent indeed, is not among the front rank of fancies for this tournament, despite the Henman-like attentions of the home crowd.

But he does not subscribe to the theory that only one of, say, five players can win this week. Michael Campbell and Sean Micheel have shown that almost anyone can break into the winners' paddock these days and Donald is much encouraged by that.

"The game is not dominated by the top five players in the world," he insisted. "The top players have obviously motivated the rest of us and because of that, the spread of talent is much greater now."

He would not be tinkering with his game in order to cope with links conditions. "Unless the conditions become severe, there's no need to adapt your game too much," said Donald.

"I just think that if I play to my strengths I'll be well suited around here."

Length off the tee, he is convinced, is not going to be the factor that some perceive because the course is so firm and so fast.

"With the right bounce you can get an extra 60 or 70 yards, easily," he said. "The key to this championship is to stay away from the bunkers. They are the most penal aspect here."

Donald is a pretty cool and organised character and it surprises some that he feels the need to use a guru, or a sports performance coach as they're called. But he works closely with one Jim Fannin and he explains why.

"When I came out of college I was one of the best college players but when I got on the PGA Tour I was getting beaten a lot," said Donald. "I wasn't breaking through in the manner I imagined and that affected my confidence.

"Jim has helped me with a few things on the mental side. He's really helped me realise that you have to set your goals higher than you think. You have to kind of think abnormally if you want to have abnormal results."

Where, his friends and admirers will ask, has Donald set his goals this week?