Howell’s Focus On Four Good Rounds Not Last Three Open Spots

David Howell won’t focus on qualifying for the Open when he plays the Scottish Open, despite missing a “glorious chance” at Sandwich.

The final three qualifying spots for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush are on offer at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick this weekend and Howell would dearly love to claim one.

The 43-year-old, who missed the cut at Lahinch Old Course in the Irish Open last week, would need to finish in the top 10 and hope that no more than two players above him had not already booked their spots. But Howell is just looking to string together four good rounds and says the rest will take care of itself.

“I’m certainly not someone who is focusing on The Open spots,” he told the Swindon Advertiser. “In my circumstances, qualifying for The Open would be amazing, having missed out by one the other week at Final Qualifying.”

Howell recorded a bogey on the last – his 36th hole of the day – to finish in a tie for fourth at Sandwich in Kent, but only the top three earned places at the Open. He added: “That was my glorious chance, of course, but I’d grab a top-10 finish with two hands in the Scottish Open, having not finished in the top-10 for God knows how long now.

“I’m looking for a good week and if it’s an amazing week and I grab one of those spots, I’d be delighted. “But for me, I think it’s just a case of going out there and putting a good performance in.”