Howell hopes to light up Hong Kong
Fresh from switching on the Swindon Christmas decorations, Ryder Cup hero David Howell has flown to the bright lights of Hong Kong this week looking for the one thing which would complete his year.
Playing a crucial part in the record-breaking victory over the Americans and moving up from 101st to 40th in the world has made 2004 what Howell calls “a fantastic year – unbelievable really”.
But it has lacked an individual title and since he has not achieved one since 1999 it is easy to understand his eagerness to put that right at the Omega Hong Kong Open starting on Thursday.
It will not be easy. Detroit team-mates Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez are the top two in the field, Harrington choosing to defend the trophy rather than go for the really big money on offer in the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa.
There are also Major winners Nick Faldo and Jose Maria Olazabal present, although neither is in the world’s top 100 any more, plus the top two from last week’s Volvo China Open, Stephen Dodd and Thomas Bjorn.
Howell’s Ryder Cup success has helped elevate him to the status where this weekend, in his absence, he will be named winner of the South West Region Sporting Moment of the Year award – even if it was for a six-iron he admits he “duffed”.
There is also some appearance money on offer for him this week and since the last time he recalled that happening was the 1999 Polish Open he intends to enjoy it.
“It’s very nice to have a Mercedes waiting for you all the time,” he said.
Even without a victory Howell finished a best-ever 10th on the Order of Merit and his world ranking should guarantee him a debut in the Masters at Augusta in April.
“That will be another lifelong ambition knocked off for me,” added the former British boy champion, who has only ever played two Majors in America.
He never dreamed while growing up that he would be called on to switch on the Christmas lights in his home town in front of a crowd of 5,000.
On the appearance money issue Bjorn, now 26th in the world, confesses he finds it “strange” that he was not included in the elite group, but commented: “I won’t question it. I asked what the story was, that’s all.
“I’ll have to do well to cover my costs, but I love Hong Kong and have lots of good friends here. That’s why I’m here and victory would be sweet – but any victory is sweet.”
