Howell targets 'big week'

David Howell, the European tour’s current number one and conqueror of Tiger Woods last November, could not be more excited about next week’s Masters.

But that is not to say the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta starting on Thursday is not important to the 30-year-old Englishman.

“Any week can be a big week,” he said. “To win over here is a massive week.”

Recovering from a third-round 81 – his highest score since 1998 – with a closing 70 in the Players Championship on Sunday has kept Howell’s confidence high.

But he also knows what golf is like.

“My game’s in the best shape going into a major ever – so I’ll probably go and miss the cut. I’m not hitting a load of balls in practice because I’m not working on much. It’s the first time for years that’s been the case and it’s nice. I’ve no excuses really.”

Making his debut at Augusta last year Howell had the thrill of going into the weekend as joint leader with Luke Donald and Chris DiMarco, although because of rain delays the second round had still to be completed.

Finishing with a 69 put the rising English star into a head to head with Woods and while he was crushed 65-76 he came back with a 69 for 11th place, which guaranteed him a second try next week.

“It’s the best I’ve done in a major, so I’m really looking forward to it. I think the course suits me – I putt well – but I’ve got to be careful not to get blasé. I can’t expect to do well, but it’s nice to be going there thinking I could.”

Woods’ 65 included a record-equalling seven successive birdies and Howell said afterwards: “It sounds obvious, but what I learnt most from watching Tiger that day is that he is very good – just blooming good.

“Not always the straightest, of course, but he’s long and he’s the best putter in the world. Ridiculously good.

“He was clearly in the zone once he got going and I knew I was witnessing something special. I don't know that what Tiger was doing really affected me - it’s better when someone is playing well with you – and I said to my caddie that we hadn’t had a great day, but what an event to partner Tiger in.

“He is lovely to play with. He plays fantastic golf, but he still hit some poor shots and managed to hit miraculous ones afterwards.”

Beating the world number one in Shanghai four months ago was the best possible boost to Howell’s belief that all things are possible for him now – including a first victory on American soil.

If not this week, then even better next week.