Howell relaxes back home in advance of Ryder Cup debut 

Broome Manor round with friends ideal preparation for USA clash

 

Swindon's Ryder Cup star David Howell was back in Swindon last weekend doing what he likes best - playing golf with his mates at Broome Manor Golf Club.

 

Ryder Cup star: Swindon's David Howell

The 29-year-old was taking a well earned rest day at his beloved home club after a whirlwind week of publicity following his qualification for the biennial clash with the USA later this month.

 

He was invited to play by Broome Manor professional Barry Sandry, who had organised a Pro-Am tournament that paired up club members with present-and-past professionals who have all plyed their trade at the Old Town municipal course.

"It's great to be back," David told SwindonWeb.

"I've been so busy playing around Europe and the States in the last couple of months, I haven't teed up here for while. But the course is looking in great nick and I'm really looking forward to it.

"Let's hope I don't embarass myself on the first tee!" David added, while he accepted a long line of congratulations from Broome Manor members who had turned up to see him play.

And embarass himself he did not, as the former Commonweal schoolboy launched a majestic drive - the longest of the day - straight down the first fairway.

Eighteen years at Broome Manor

David, who has played at Broome Manor since he was 11, is now in his ninth full year as a professional golfer.

 
A past winner of the Dubai Desert Classic and the Australian PGA Championships, he booked his place in the Ryder Cup for the first time after recording a string of top ten results this season, amassing nearly £550,000 in the process.

 

To date his career playing golf has amassed him over £2.5 million pounds of on-course earning.

Still living in the town, David can be seen regularly practicing at the Broome Manor driving range, or enjoying a cup of coffee at his father's antique furniture shop, Howells, in Old Town.

 

As a true Swindonian, David also supports Swindon Town when he gets the chance - but only "when I've missed the cut" he says, which is something he doesn't like to make a habit of!

 
Joining David in the European team will be:

 
Paul Casey (England)
Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland)
Luke Donald (England)
Sergio Garcia (Spain)
Padraig Harrington (Ireland)
Miguel Angel Jiménez (Spain)
Thomas Levet (France)
Paul McGinley (Ireland)
Colin Montgomerie (Scotland)
Ian Poulter (England)
Lee Westwood (England)

who will be taking on a star-studded US team of:
 

Tiger Woods
Phil Mickelson
Davis Love III
Jim Furyk
Kenny Perry
David Toms
Chad Campbell
Chris DiMarco
Fred Funk
Chris Riley
Stewart Cink
Jay Haas

The action starts on 17 September 2004, live on Sky Sports, although David and his teammates will be flying to Oakland Hills the week before to prepare for the tournament.