Howell shows glimpse of past form

Former Ryder Cup star David Howell’s determination not to let his career sink without trace finally paid rich dividends in Killarney today.

Down at 479th in the world – he was ninth four years ago – Howell emerged from the wilderness with a seven-under-par 64 in the first round of the 3 Irish Open.

“I’ve never wanted to give up, but it’s crossed my mind that if I carry on playing as I did last year I wouldn’t have a career to be worried about,” said the 35-year-old.

He has even turned to television commentary and after-dinner speaking, but when asked if the comedy circuit was becoming a possible alternative Howell replied: “Not yet – I think my golf’s been a bit of a comedy for the last couple of years.”

Five birdies and then an eagle on the 519-yard 16th lifted Howell into a one-stroke lead over Ireland’s Damien McGrane and Australian left-hander Richard Green.

Last year’s runner-up Robert Rock – he actually took the first prize of over almost €500,000 because the winner was amateur Shane Lowry – also handed in a 65, but was then disqualified for a scorecard mix-up.

McGrane out-scored his illustrious compatriots Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell by three and five shots respectively, while Darren Clarke shot 66, Rory McIlroy 67 and twice US Tour winner Justin Rose a desperately disappointing 74 that can only harm his Ryder Cup hopes.

Howell stated: “I’ve been working hard and persevering. I’ve been back with my old coach Clive Tucker for six months now and I’ve certainly been hitting the ball a lot better the last two or three.

“I chipped in and holed three long ones – more than my fair share, which in fairness you normally do when you shoot 64.”

His last was in Portugal two years ago and brought him a play-off, but last season saw him slump again to only 156th in Europe and he has not had a top 10 finish since September.

“My patience ran out a good while ago. I had a very bad injury at the start of 2007, split up with my then girlfriend (she is now his wife) and I wasn’t a happy person.

“Added to playing rubbish it was a pretty lonely, miserable time, so I finally got round to sorting my personal life out and this year I’m in a happy point in my life.

“Golf is very difficult when you’re a pro and you don’t know where the ball is going. It’s a very stressful thing to do – that’s why I’m losing my hair really.”

With talk of a possible 59 - something never achieved on the European Tour - the course held up well given that there was no more than a breeze.

Clarke, continuing a recent revival which might yet force cup captain Colin Montgomerie to find another vice-captain, commented: “I was wrong in my initial assessment.

“This morning it would have been impossible to get Killarney playing any easier. Yes the guys will get more familiar with it, but there’s so many places that they can put the pins that we just can’t get at.”

McIlroy, at eighth in the world the highest-ranked player on view, made eight birdies, but also threw in four bogeys and commented: “It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is.

“There’s better courses in Ireland definitely, but if they don’t want to have the Irish Open that’s the way it goes.”

Harrington did not drop a shot, but admitted his keenness to end almost two years without a win is making him more tense than he would like to be.

“Sometimes you find it very hard to win and then all of a sudden the floodgates open.”

He should know – his first major title in 2007 was quickly followed by two more.

McDowell, hoping for the same thing after capturing the US open last month, stated: “I just need to sharpen up across the board. I said someone would go super low, but you can defend this course by hiding the pins.”