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Howell hoping for change of luck

19/07/2006

England's David Howell has admitted he needs a change of luck as he prepares to tee off at the British Open at Hoylake.

The leader of the European Order of Merit is in the form of his life and looks certain to play a prominent role when Europe takes on the United States for the Ryder Cup in September.

However, the 31-year-old has never played well at the British Open and he admits he is desperate to change that this time around.

"It's a case of missed cut, missed cut, missed cut, didn't play so I would love to play well this week," Howell said.

"I'm playing the best golf in my life in general at the moment and I have higher expectations so we shall see."

In all, Howell has missed five cuts since he first played at the British Open in 1997, with finishes of 42nd and 45th the only time he has played on the final two days.

One factor which he wasn't expecting this year though was the heat, with temperatures in Liverpool today hitting 33C.

However, with cooler temperatures expected by the time the players begin their challenges on Thursday, Howell believes the weather shouldn't be a factor.

"It's not as hot as it was at the US Open a few weeks ago and I think the temperature is going to drop by a few degrees on Thursday so I don't think the weather is a particular problem," Howell added.

"Obviously it's unusual for the Open as you prepare yourself for particularly bad weather, not particularly hot, so it's a pleasant surprise."

Howell tees off at 08:20BST with Fiji's Vijay Singh and American Zach Johnson.

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