You are in > manchester.com  > News > Howell retains Ryder Cup hopes despite poor year

Golf

Howell retains Ryder Cup hopes despite poor year

19/09/2007

David Howell says he still hopes to make the Ryder Cup team next year despite having a poor season that has seen him drop to 130th in the European Order of Merit.

The Englishman finished third last season, narrowly missing out to Padraig Harrington in the last tournament of the year, but has struggled with injuries this season.

Nick Faldo, who will captain Europe at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville next year, has left Howell out of his Great Britain team for the Seve Trophy next week.

But Howell says Faldo made the right decision, adding: "I am sure he made a very wise choice not picking me."

Howell still thinks he can qualify for the Ryder Cup team if he can continue building his form and not burn himself out playing too many tournaments.

He said: "I've got to make sensible decisions about when I play. My attitude now is that I will play when I am healthy and it seems like my body will dictate when that is."

The 32-year-old says he will target specific tournaments in order to maximise the potential points he could gain.

"The Ryder Cup is my main goal next year and even if a full schedule for me might not be 32 events any more I hope I can play great and pick up lots of points in the big events," said Howell.

However he admits that he still has some way to go before achieving his main aim.

He said: "At the moment I am not playing anywhere near that standard."