HIGH Wycombe's Luke Donald teed off in the millennium Open Championship yesterday with his secret weapon by his side.

The 22-year-old qualifier from Reynolds Close, Totteridge received the perfect pre-tournament filip when his brother Christian agreed to caddy for him at the event, which American Tiger Woods is odds-on to win.

Donald has got a fantastic record in amateur and US College events but the only time he has ever made the cut in a professional event was when his older brother was at his side.

He qualified for last year's Open at Carnoustie after setting a new course record at Panmure and was disappointed when his brother couldn't get the time off from his job as a profesional at Harleyford Golf Club to caddy for him.

Without Christian, Luke missed the cut by two strokes.

This time Christian moved heaven and earth to make sure he was carrying his brother's clubs at the notorious St Andrews course with its 112 bunkers.

Christian said: 'It's my claim to fame that Luke has played in four pro events and only made the cut once - at the Memorial Tournament where I carried for him.

'Luke was concerned that qualifying might be just a pitch and putt competition. He plays better in tough conditions and can handle the big occasion.'

Donald began yesterday playing alongside Zimbabwe's Mark McNulty, who qualified with him at Leven Links last week, and Frenchman Jean-Francois Remesy.

And he's in form. He scored a faultless eight-under-par 63 during the first round of qualifying.