Howell at the Masters 2006 

Howell finishes within the top twenty

 

MASTERS UPDATE: 10 April 2006 12.29am Howell rules third round performance as Masters challenge ends in 19th place

Howell rues third round performance as Masters challenge ends in 19th place

A philosophical David Howell was left to reflect on a poor penultimate round at this year's US Masters, as the Swindon star settled for a place just inside the top twenty.

The world number 14 did, however, have the consolation of finishing as the top British player, and remains the leader of the European Tour Order of Merit.

But it was the Broome Manor member's third round 76 that effectively ended his challenge at the season's first major championship, after a solid performance on the first two days had put him just 4 shots off the lead in 5th place.

"Looking back, it hasn't been a bad week overall," Howell said after completing his final round in level par 72 to finish on +2, "but it could have been so much better."

"My Saturday round really cost me. I started badly and never recovered. It's so difficult to get the momentum back when you have a few bad holes like I did."

"Hopefully I can put things right next year. I like the course, and it suits my game," the Ryder Cup player added.

The famous green jacket was won by world number two Phil Mickelson, his second success in three years.

  

Swindon's David Howell has made the worst possible start to his third round of the US Masters at Augusta.

Nicely in contention in 5th place after the first two rounds of the tournament, the 30-year-old professional has dropped four shots in his opening five holes to slip down the field.

Earlier in the day a deluge had hit the Augusta course causing a four hour rain delay.

Teeing off at 11.00pm UK time Howell started his round with a triple bogey seven - and then followed it up with another dropped shot at the third.

He now trails the leader Chad Campbell (at -6) by eight shots.

With the majority of players unable to complete their rounds because of the weather delays, Howell is expected to resume his third round at approx. 11:00am UK time.

TV coverage continues on BBC2 at 1:00pm.  

 

Masterful golf: Swindon's David Howell

Swindon golfer David Howell has played himself nicely into position after two rounds of the US Masters.

The Broome Manor member added a second one under par 71 today to join the in-form Phil Mickelson in joint 5th place on -2.

American Chad Campbell heads the field on -6. Defending champion and world number one Tiger Woods stands on -1.

"It's a great place to be going into the weekend," a delighted Howell said.

"I played really steady today and holed some great putts, especially the par-saver on the fifteenth. That was really crucial for me."

Howell, who finished 11th last year in his first appearance, also finished his round in style by birdieing the 18th.

"I hit a great iron in to the final green," he added, "and it gave me a great chance for the three - and I took it."

"I just hope I can give myself similiar opportunities tomorrow."

Howell tees off in the third round on Saturday at 7.10pm UK time. US Masters coverage continues on BBC2 at 8.25pm.

 

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