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Howell on a high in Harrison

09/06/2006

David Howell has gone some way to putting his nightmare third-round 83 at last week's PGA Memorial behind him by firing a superb five-under-par 66 on the first day of the Barclays Classic in Harrison, New York.

The European Tour's number one golfer carded eight birdies and three bogeys during his opening round, with runs of four and three consecutive birdies ending each half.

Howell, ranked tenth in the world, sits just one shot behind overnight leader Adam Scott of Australia and will be looking to continue his good form and confidence through the weekend and on to Winged Foot for next week's US Open.

"I'm certainly in the best shape I've ever come into a US Open in and I've got no excuses," the 30-year-old English star said.

"My career is progressing really well. Every goal I set for myself I keep seeming to achieve, which is lovely."

Howell added: "The next natural step is to at least give myself a chance over here. It's not easy to win on this tour and I haven't got quite as far as having a chance with 18 or nine to go. That's the next step, along with winning one."

Meanwhile, Howell's fellow English stars Luke Donald and Ian Poulter both shot one-over-par 72s to start decently if unspectacularly.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington did not have a positive start, however, as he shot a three-over-par 74 to leave himself with an uphill task.

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