By Matt Slater Golf editor

Davis on golf's "ultimate test" US Open groupings and tee times

British number one Luke Donald has been tipped to break Europe's six-year majors drought at this week's US Open.

European and US Tour player Brian Davis said the 27-year-old Englishman is the "obvious choice" to win the continent's first major since 1999.

And Donald's Ryder Cup and World Cup team-mate Paul Casey described the world number 12 as "the answer" to Europe's quest for a major winner.

The US Open, 2005's second major, starts at Pinehurst on Thursday.

Despite considerable success in team events, no European golfer has won a major since Paul Lawrie's surprise Open triumph at Carnoustie.

I'm also looking for Padraig Harrington to go close - it's about time for him Brian Davis

Davis, who played in the 2003 and 2004 US Opens but failed to qualify for this year's event, said Donald had a "great chance" of ending that run.

"I have just seen the odds and the obvious choice is Luke Donald," said Davis.

"He was big for us in the Ryder Cup and his form this season has been superb.

"He plays in the US and his game suits a US Open. He is the guy.

"At a US Open you've got to hit it straight. Hitting it a long way helps, but you have to be on the fairway.

"That will be the key to who wins, unlike the Masters where you can hit it off line and still have a shot. You pay the penalty more at a US Open."

Donald, who claimed a share of third at the Masters in April, has the second best scoring average on the US Tour so far this season. Phil Mickelson's average of 69.06 shots per round is 0.01 better than the Englishman's average.

Casey, who partnered Donald to glory in November's World Cup, is playing at Pinehurst but, like Davis, thinks Donald will lead the European challenge.

We need a European major champion but there are so many good players coming through that if it's not this year it will be next Paul Casey

"From what I've heard it's the type of course that will find out any flaws in your game," said Casey, who will be making his third US Open appearance when he tees off in North Carolina on Thursday.

"You've got to have control of the ball and you will have to be very strong mentally, as you do in all majors. Luke Donald is the answer."

But both Casey and Davis identified other European players as potential winners.

Davis said: "I'm also looking for Padraig Harrington to go close. He is an awesome player and it's about time for him."

Casey also tipped Harrington but said there many Europeans capable of landing one of golf's big prizes.

"We need a European major champion but there are so many good players coming through that if it's not this year it will be next," he said.

"I know we keep saying that but I really believe it. You only have to look at all the young players coming through."