Familiar Faces at the Ryder Cup 

Look out for Swindon's Howell and Hempleman at Celtic Manor this weekend

 

Swindon golf fans will have already noticed a few local faces they may recognise at the Ryder Cup.

 

Because although Swindon may not have a player involved in taking on Tiger Woods and the USA this weekend, two well-known names will still be playing a big part.

 

David Howell

 

In the SKY Sports commentary box is Swindon golf star David Howell, the Broome Manor pro who played twice for the European team in the Ryder Cup in 2004 and 2006 - winning both times.

 

Ryder Cup winner: Howell with the trophy and teammates after winning in 2004

The 2006 PGA Champion, already a regular pundit for SKY, is alongside top coach Butch Harmon as one of the experts offering their opinions on what is one of the biggest golfing events in the world, the pressure of which Howell knows all too well.

 

As a player he enjoyed team success both at a home and away and has the distinguished Ryder Cup record of:

 

Played 5 Won 3 Halved 1 Lost 1

 

and was undefeated throughout the 2006 match when Europe won 18.5-9.5 at the K Club.

 

Jason Hempleman

 

Joining Howell at Celtic Manor is the less familiar, but no less important, Jason Hempleman, another Broome Manor member.

 

Trusted: Jason Hempleman-Adams with Colin Montgomerie

Cousin of explorer David Hempleman-Adams, Jason is the Tour caddy of European captain Colin Montgomerie and is supporting Monty with team affairs.

 

Hempleman, who caddied for Howell during his early career, is also no slouch of a player himself and one Monty considers as an important aid.

 

"I don't know of a caddy who knows the game better," Monty said, describing Hempleman, who has played off scratch and is a current member of the Wiltshire first team.