Howell dismisses expectations
European number one David Howell believes it is “silly” to class him as a contender for this week’s British Open at Hoylake.
A feature in this week’s Sports Illustrated magazine claims that Howell is ‘England’s Best Hope’ and ranks him above defending champion Tiger Woods in a top 10 of likely winners.
But the world number 10 is unhappy with his current form after missing the cut in the French Open and finishing 35th in the Scottish Open on Sunday.
The 31-year-old from Swindon is well aware of his terrible British Open record, having missed the cut in his last four appearances. A tie for 42nd place at Birkdale in 1998 is his best finish.
“I haven’t got any expectations. Forty-second is my best finish in the Open so to say I’m a genuine contender is probably a bit silly,” said Howell, a quarter-finalist in the British Amateur at Hoylake in 1995.
“I’m not putting any pressure on my shoulders. I’m trying to have as few expectations as possible and see how it goes.
“I need to start hitting it better than last week. That’s for sure.”
