Luke Donald yesterday expressed impatience at the lack of European success in major championships and said he wanted to get there first.

The 29-year-old Englishman made his Open debut in 1999 at Carnoustie and played for the first two rounds alongside champion-to-be Paul Lawrie, whose victory here eight years ago remains the last European major triumph.

"I definitely feel I should be doing better than I should, especially at this champion-ship," said the Ryder Cup stalwart. "I'd like to be winning more tournaments around the world. You just have to learn not to press, not to get too impatient and hopefully things will come to you.

"In terms of winners for this tournament, I think Europeans have as much chance as anyone."

Donald, whose father comes from Stranraer, believes believes Carnoustie is a course where anyone can win.

"It's a good, solid golf course. It's going to play a little bit longer, so maybe someone who is hitting it further and straighter might have a little bit more of a chance. I'm just going to concentrate on my own game and hopefully I'll be at the top of the list."

Donald, twice a winner on the PGA Tour, remains impressed by Lawrie's consistency in 1999 when he himself missed the cut by two shots.

"He played steadily, had good control in the windy conditions that week, and he didn't seem to get himself into too much trouble. He seemed to know what he was doing and played very nicely," Donald said.

"I think at the halfway stage he was four or five off the lead. He wasn't really challenging for the tournament, but you could tell he was happy with his game and was playing very well."

Donald was joint-fourth at Loch Lomond on Sunday, closing with a seven-under-par 64 following his marriage and honeymoon in Greece with American wife Diane.