Donald tied for fourth at the year’s first major, the Masters at Augusta
World number three Luke Donald carded a second round 71 to trail by five shots at the halfway stage of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.
The 33-year-old, who can become world number one if he wins this week, began at the 10th and had three early birdies but dropped three shots in two holes.
American Ryder Cup player Bubba Watson added a 68 to his opening 66 to lead by a shot from Josh Teater at 10 under.
Graeme McDowell looks to have missed the cut after a 75 left him four over.
US Open champion McDowell, who was only one over after the first round despite recording three double bogeys, had four more bogeys in round two and another double but could only post three birdies.
The 31-year-old Northern Irishman missed successive cuts at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Masters and was tied for 61st at last week’s Heritage tournament.
Donald and McDowell were early starters in Louisiana, with former Masters and USPGA champion Vijay Singh among the later groups still to complete their rounds.
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