Howell makes quick work before rains

England’s David Howell was thankful for his coach Clive Tucker’s jetlag today as he joined Ryder Cup teammate Luke Donald out in front at the rain-hit Masters.

After an opening 72 on Thursday the 27-year-old from Swindon went to bed thinking his second round tee-off time had been pushed back to 1.20pm because of the weather delay.

It was actually 10.20am, but when Tucker, who was staying in the same house, woke up early he turned on the television and saw the correct time.

He broke the news to Howell, who then went out and birdied five out of seven holes to charge to five under par before more thunderstorms in the area halted play for the day.

The play is set to resume at 8am tomorrow. Some players have not yet even started their second rounds, but a clear day – and the forecast is better - could see the tournament almost back on track by nightfall.

“I’m obviously delighted with my day’s work, even if it was only eight holes,” commented Howell, whose girlfriend Emily is the personal assistant to the Queen’s private secretary.

She is in Augusta rather than at the Charles and Camilla wedding tomorrow.

Donald, who was lying second when he completed his opening 68, just had time to make an eight-foot birdie putt on the long second before the suspension came.

He too is making his first appearance in the Masters, but much more was expected of him after his runners-up finish in the Players Championship two weeks ago.

American Ryder Cup player Chris DiMarco also stands five under, while world number one Vijay Singh is just one behind and has yet to start his second round.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson stands two under and remains well in the hunt, but Tiger Woods’ 74 left him seven adrift and Ernie Els, runner-up last year, is one further back.