Howell In The Open! 

St Andrews major for Swindon golf star after second in South Africa

 

The best finish of the season so far for Swindon's David Howell meant much more than his sweet prize of £58,000 - he's now in The Open at St Andrews.

 

Howell's second place in the Joburg Open meant he grabbed one of the three places on offer to qualify for The Open automatically, which takes place this year at the home of golf from 16-19 July.

 

The major was one of Howell's key targets this year after winning the Dunhill Links Trophy at St Andrews in 2013 and finishing 15th last year at Hoylake in the 143rd Open (see links below).
  

St Andrews bound: David Howell (l) alongside Joburg Open winner Andy Sullivan (centre) and fellow qualifier Anthony Wall Twitter

 

The result also caps a great week for the Broome Manor member after deciding to change his coach following a series of poor performances at the start of the season.  

 
"I started with a new coach, Justin Parsons, a few weeks ago, just working on my rhythm," Howell said.

 

"I am trying to swing the club as slowly as I have in my whole life and that's a real challenge to bring that to the course.

"I am delighted with how I've done that so far this week, it's getting better by the day and hopefully that bodes well for tomorrow and future weeks coming up."