Luke Donald is trying out new clubs despite having finished the year as No.1 on the world rankings and the money lists on either side of the Atlantic.

He is determined to make 2012 even better, with a first major title, predictably, top of his wish list, as it is for world No.2 Lee Westwood.

"This seemed like the perfect week to try some new stuff," said Donald, although he has anything but a low-key start to the season.

He goes head to head with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, the two highest-profile players in the sport at the moment, in the first two rounds of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

"I'm not one to change and tinker too much, but the times when I do are usually at the beginning of a season," he said.

"Whether they'll still be in my bag in a few weeks, who knows, but I certainly did some good preparation work and it felt very solid.

"I wouldn't have put them in if it didn't feel as good, if not better, than what I was using. Under tournament conditions, we'll see how they perform, but I'm happy with the changes."

Donald has been top of the rankings since May and his victory in Dubai last month enabled him to complete the unprecedented double of money-list titles on both sides of the Atlantic.

"Winning four times last year and picking up all the awards adds a lot of confidence," he said. "Even days when I struggle I feel I can find something to post a score. Last year will be hard to follow, but there's certainly a lot more in this game for me to achieve."

So, too, is there for Westwood, older than his compatriot by four years and with far more near misses in the majors. The 38-year-old had emphatic wins in South Africa and Thailand last month, with rounds of 62 and 60 as highlights.

Improved putting was the key and Westwood was delighted to see that only about four weeks into his work with Phil Kenyon.

"I think it's very difficult to win a major without making a few that are surprising or bonuses, so if I can start rolling in a few 25 to 30-footers that's obviously going to make a massive difference.

Another player preparing to try new clubs is Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, who heads into his 25th European Tour season excited at having signed for Callaway in a deal where he will be using the company's bag, clubs, ball, glove and shoes.

"The clubs are very, very good so it's back to the future," he said. "The Callaway service out here is fantastic for me. I am like a rookie and I am looking forward to the year."

mark garrod & bernie mcguire

in abu dhabi