Howell's major target

Ryder Cup debutant David Howell is adamant he will not relax until he has qualified for next season's Masters.

The Englishman finished third in the American Express Championship in Ireland last week to seal his place in three of the majors next year.

The 29-year-old is finally living up to his early promise and followed that up with an opening round of seven-under-par 65 at Kingsbarns in the Dunhill Links Championship.

But the world number 51, who partnered actor Samuel L Jackson, is determined to force his way into the Masters now to complete a successful season.

Howell said: “I have been working for a few years now to try and play a really top schedule and I have just missed out a couple of times.

“I know I am in three of the majors next year. I still have to deal with the Masters and I believe that another good week this week will be another step in the right direction and that is what I am trying to do.”

Howell will start his second round at St Andrews three shots off the lead after Graeme McDowell’s record-equalling 62 on the old course yesterday.

Retief Goosen is also hot on the heels of the Northern Irishman after his seven-under-par 65 at Kingsbarns but he has someone else in his sights.

The South African, who is number five in the world, still believes he can catch countryman Ernie Els in the Order of Merit.

Goosen admitted: “I pretty much have to win here this week to have a chance of catching him and then it depends on where he finishes.

“Then next week at the match play will be the deciding tournament.”

Els starts today well placed at four under with Vijay Singh, who he is hoping to replace as the world number one.

He was also on the same overnight score as Colin Montgomerie, who he wants to overtake as the biggest money-earner in European Tour history.

Jose Maria Olazabal and Thomas Levet were among those on four under while Luke Donald was at six under.