That's My Boy! 

Swindon golfer becomes the best in Europe after Wentworth win

 

Ultimate driving machine: David Howell tees off on the 12th hole on his way to PGA victory

Swindon star David Howell has surged to an emphatic victory at the BMW PGA Championships today, giving the world's best a golfing lesson in the process.

 
And we were there to capture it - hole-by-hole - with these exclusive pictures for you to enjoy in our gallery of his triumphant final round.

 
It was a display of sporting perfection rarely seen on the west course at Wentworth, with Howell completing his dominance of the Championship with a five-shot victory over an impressive field that included the likes of Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.

 
The Broome Manor pro had gone into the final day leading by three after a stunning round of 65 on Friday has put him in pole position for what is one of the biggest tournaments outside the Majors.

And after honing his swing on the practice ground beforehand, Howell then produced a blistering start with birdies at the second, fourth and fifth to end his nearest pursuers' hopes.

Only a minor blip on the 10th hole where Howell pushed his tee shot to bogey being the single blemish on an almost faultless scorecard.

 

Putt-ing on a show: David Howell on the 1st green with playing partner Miguel-Angel Jiménez

 
With the luxury of a five-shot lead going up the 18th, Howell even took the opportunity to wave to the crowd and soak up the applause before holing a four foot putt for victory and his fourth European Tour title.

 
It follows victories in Dubai, Munich (also sponsored by BMW) and his taming of the Tiger in Shanghai, but the thirty-year old was in no doubt as to which was the sweetest.

 
"This beats my win over Tiger by a million miles," he said with a beaming smile reflecting in the towering trophy.

 
"This is our flagship event and doesn't come any bigger than this. I'm honoured and delighted to put my name on this trophy and am humbled to join the fantastic list of winners."

 

PGA Champion 2006: Howell's triumph in pictures

 
In a tournament blighted by poor weather, Howell reigned supreme, showing that he has all but overcome his back injury and landing him in the world's top ten for the first time in his career.

 
The win lifts him from 17th to 10th in the world rankings and gives him a commanding lead in the European Order of Merit.

 
"A couple of years ago I was striving to get into the top 50 and didn't know if I ever would," said Howell.

 
"I remember being delighted when I made the cut at the Tour School and knew I would be playing the Challenge Tour.

 
"I thought that was a fantastic achievement, but obviously things have gone slightly better!"

 
An understatement if ever there was one - the win pocketed Howell a cool £480,000 and brings his career earnings to £6 million.

 

That's my boy!: Davic Howell with mum and dad

And David's father Ray, owner of Howell's in Devizes Road, was quick to put in his order for his son's first purchase.

 
"I need a new van for my shop so David can buy it for me!" said a visibly delighted Ray.

 
"It's absolutely unbelievable. I'm very proud of him, especially as this is the flagship in England.

 
"This is the first time I've been there to seen him win a tournament like this and it's been really nerve-wracking.

 
"He had one blip on the par three but was just in control all the time. He managed to keep his head above water and the ball out of water!"

 

David Howell Wins

The 2006 PGA Championship

Final Round Gallery

Sunday 28 May 2006