Champion golfer David Howell has been reminiscing about his school days.

The 31-year-old Ryder Cup winner and Swindon Advertiser Sports Personality of the Year arrived at Churchfields School yesterday morning like an expectant student to meet headteacher Steve Flavin and his tutor from his final year, Paul Jones.

The school has followed David's career closely since he left in 1990.

And now with David ranked 14th in the world, it seemed appropriate for the school to recognise his golfing efforts by giving him an old class photograph taken in 1990, his final year.

He was also given a memento depicting the history of golf balls.

Emma Ray, deputy headteacher at the Salcombe Grove school, said: "It was great to have David back at the school for his presentation. He is an inspiration, not only to some of the students but also to some of our teaching staff. There is a real passion for golf here.

"David said he wants to embrace that passion and wants to work with students from the school and give them the chance to try the game for themselves through a golfing academy at Broome Manor.

"Perhaps the academy will produce another golf player capable of beating Tiger Woods or the future equivalent."

Ms Ray added: "Even when he was here at Churchfields, David already knew he had a talent for golf. His tutor Paul Jones has told us that when the other students played rugby in PE he didn't want to for fear of injuring his hands. He knew in his heart he was good at golf."

This month the Adver reported how David's father Ray Howell is planning to close his antiques and furniture shop in Old Town to spend more time following David on the world golfing circuit.

David, a member of last year's European Ryder Cup winning team, is set to begin his 2007 golf season in the Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates, which gets under way on February 1.

He will be playing against the likes of Tiger Woods, as well as Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie.

  • Are you one of the pupils in the class photograph? If so give the Adver a call on 01793 501809 or email the newsdesk.