LUKE DONALD - England
The Englihsman has been the most dominant and consistent performer this week. Despite not being among the TOUR's biggest hitters, he's been able to dial in at Dove Mountain, hitting nearly 70 percent of his fairways and more than 75 percent of his greens.
He's well-rested, having played just 73 holes in the first five matches. On Saturday, he won his matches in a combined 5 hours, 56 minutes, compared to Kaymer's 7 hours, 59 minutes. Plus, he's mentally well-rested, having only been pushed in one match (the second round against Edoardo Molinari). In a long week like this, that's a substantial benefit. The only drawback: the final is now 18 holes instead of 36, which would have been even better for Donald.
He's got the undulating greens at Dove Mountain figured out. He's made 435 feet worth of putts, and has three of the six longest putts made this week. Kaymer has made 416 feet worth of putts, but he's played 12 more holes.
MARTIN KAYMER - Germany
He's battle-tested. While Donald has had it easy in most of his matches, Kaymer has been forced to grind in his last four matches. He had to go overtime to beat Justin Rose, went 17 holes against Hunter Mahan and went the 18-hole distance in beating Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bubba Watson. Donald has not even played the 18th hole this week. If it's close, Kaymer could have the advantage.
He's longer off the tee. Donald estimates that he's going to give up 25 yards to Kaymer. That could pay off on a course that's 7,800 yards long. It may also pay off more if weather becomes an issue and the normally thin desert air turns heavy.
There's a reason why he's No. 1 in the world. Kaymer has enjoyed a meteoric rise, having won four European Tour events and the PGA Championship since the start of the 2010 season. Donald won one European Tour event last year but hasn't won a PGA TOUR in five years. Kaymer is used to slamming the door.
