Howell reveals lofty ambitions

European number one David Howell has set his sights on winning his first Order of Merit title and then becoming a global force in the game.

Howell leads the money list from fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup team-mate Paul Casey, a winner last week at Gleneagles, having clocked up two victories and two top-10 finishes this season.

But with neither Casey nor Colin Montgomerie, third on the money list, in the field the Swindon 31-year-old has a chance has a chance to extend his advantage further in the €4m French Open.

And although he does not want to look beyond this week, he admits he has grand ambitions.

“It is definitely my goal to be European number one,” he said.

“Strangely, last summer just before the US Open I was second in the Order of Merit and almost as soon as I decided my goal for the rest of the year was to win it I got injured and was out for two months.

“This year things have gone slightly better than that and I am still number one midway through season.

“Certainly one of my goals at the start of the year was to win the Order of Merit.

“It is going to be difficult but I have a nice head start.”

With a first prize of € 666,660 on offer at Le Golf National in Paris, Howell could give himself a real boost ahead of an important six weeks which takes in a number of big tournaments – including the Open at Hoylake.

But the Englishman has designs further afield as well.

“I am a better player than I was two or three years ago and that is just through hard work and improving my technique,” he added.

“I think the natural step for me, if I could plan my career, would be to win in America. I haven’t put myself in that situation yet. Then the next step is to try to win a major.

“Before I didn’t dream I could contend in a major – at least now I think there is no reason why I can’t contend or even win one.

“My mindset has changed slightly. I am number one in the Order of Merit and I’m in a situation whereby if I didn’t win it I would possibly be disappointed.

“I am playing a lot in America and I’m sure if I stay patient and play well over there it will happen.

“There is no reason why I can’t win in America. There is possibly more strength down the order (in America) but I don’t think the winning scores are any different to those in Europe.

“And I think it is very important to maintain a presence on both tours. I have always wanted to become a player with a worldwide schedule, although I see myself as a European Tour player and there is no reason why I would change things much over the coming years.”