Howell at the Ryder Cup 2006
Swindon pro takes on the Americans
RYDER CUP UPDATE: 24 September 2006 4.45pm
Howell stars as Europe make Ryder Cup history: |
Swindon's golfing hero David Howell was celebrating tonight in grand fashion after helping Europe secure an emphatic Ryder Cup victory over the USA.
The champagne-soaked 31-year-old joining captain Ian Woosnam and his other teammates in raucous scenes of jubilation at the K Club after Europe completed an historic 18½-9½ triumph.
Howell a major contributor to the win - the first time Europe have won three times in a row in the 79 year history of the competition - with an unbeaten record of 2½ points out of a possible 3.
His final day singles victory - 5&4 over Brett Wetterich - being the biggest winning margin of the day.
"It's been an unbelievable end to an unbelievable week," Howell said.

Ryder Cup - live scoring
RYDER CUP UPDATE: 23 September 2006 4.45pm
Howell unbeaten as Europe Ryd-ing high: |
Matchplay maestro:
David Howell |
Swindon's David Howell has been more than playing his part as Europe take increasing control of this year's Ryder Cup.
The world number 12 joining up with Paul Casey to secure another valuable point for his team with a thumping 5&4 victory over Americans Stewart Cink and Zach Johnson in today's Saturday afternoon foursomes.
A three birdie burst in the first four holes from the Howell/Casey partnership leading the way as the pair dominated the match throughout.
Casey finishing the game in some style with a hole-in-one at the 14th.
"It made it easy for me," quipped a beaming Howell after shaking hands with his opponents, "I didn't have to putt!"
The win means European will take a 4 point advantage (10-6) into the final day singles, needing to win just five of the twelve remaining matches to win the Cup for an unprescedented third successive time.
On Friday, matchplay specialist Howell helped partner Henrik Stenson record a final hole half against the strong pairing of Stewart Cink, again, and David Toms.
That led to Europe securing a 5-3 lead over the US team at the end of the first day, and Howell happy with his performance.
"I felt very comfortable out there," the Broome Manor member said. "It was a great match. Real nip and tuck stuff and had I holed the putt at the end we could have sneaked it."
Howell is making his second appearance in the Ryder Cup after starring in Europe's dominant victory two years ago.
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