GOLF star Luke Donald returned home to High Wycombe this week to launch his bid for one of the biggest prizes in Europe.

The former Beaconsfield and Hazlemere member is staying with his parents Ann and Colin while he competes in the BMW Championship at Wentworth the European Tour's flagship event.

And he is hoping that his mum's cooking can be a recipe for a successful week.

He said: "It's great to be home. I don't see my family as much as I'd like to.

"A bit of home cooking and to get to spend the evenings with my family makes the week that much more enjoyable."

Donald plies his trade on the USPGA Tour, where his scintillating early-season form has seen him rise to number 12 in the world and emerge as the UK's number one golfer.

And he got off to a fine start in his first appearance at the BMW, firing a round of one under 71 in Thursday's opening round, which he played alongside Nck Faldo and Colin Montgomerie.

That left him trailing early clubhouse leader Peter Lawrie.

As well as competing at Wentworth this week, Donald is keen to catch up with some of his old sparring partners at Beaconsfield and Hazlemere Golf Clubs.

He said: "I'm hoping to stop in at least to one of those and say hi to some of the members at some point this week. They are obviously overjoyed to see me and I feel very lucky to have so much support from them.

"They helped me out a lot when I was younger and it's nice to have so much support. They are always very happy to see me."

Donald's brother Christian is Luke's full time caddie and he is on the bag for him again at Wentworth this week.

Luke said: "We've become a really good team. We work well together and I think it's working out really well now."

Donald has not been back home since he attended the BBC Sports Personality of the Year just before Christmas.

But he admits that his motivation for coming back is as much about business as pleasure.

He said: "I don't think it gives me an edge. It's nice to be home but it wasn't a factor in my coming here.

"I wanted to show my support for the European Tour."

Donald received worldwide acclaim after finishing third on his US Masters debut last month just two weeks after going one better at the Players Championship at Sawgrass.

At the start of last year he was not in the world's top hundred but last season saw him win two tournaments and make his debut in Europe's record-breaking Ryder Cup victory in the USA.

He said: "It's been a very successful start to the year. I have played very well in the big ones. I keep knocking on the door and keep getting myself in those positions.

"I go out there now to win events and I feel I'm one of the top players in the world."

Donald set out on his second round at 12.55pm on Friday.