DAVID Howell was suffering the ill-effects of a bug as he fell back to three over par after sixteen holes of his second round at the NH Collection Open in Cadiz yesterday.

The Broome Manor pro will resume the final three holes of his second round today after yersterday’s start was delayed by the overspill of Thursday’s poor weather.

Howell hit four bogeys and a lone birdie in his sixteen holes at La Reserva de Sotogrande Club de Golf yesterday. Clubhouse leaders Marc Warren and David Horsey are tied at five under, having picked up five and four shots respectively. Howell is now tied 34th and seven shots back on the leading pair.

The 38-year-old admitted to the Adver that had his round not been delayed due to Thursday’s adverse conditions he probably wouldn’t have gone out for the second round.

“I had a terrible night, I picked up a bug. If I had to tee off earlier this morning I wouldn’t have played,” said Howell.

“I just felt a bit jaded, not very good at all, that being said I’m not sure how it affected my play.

“I putted badly, five three-puts in the 33 holes of the tournament is three under or two over which is a big difference.

“I got a birdie on the ninth then dropped one on the tenth. Every time I made some progress I went back again the other way.”

The fact that in his first round Howell carded par, birdie, par, for the holes he has remaining of his second indicates he should make the projected cut at four over.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner is still hopeful of getting some rest to recover and push back up the leaderboard.

“There’s a low score to be had but the wind makes it tougher. It’s supposed to be a tourist course but even for the pros it’s a struggle. The wind means it’s got a bit more teeth than everyone gave it credit for,” said Howell.

“I should have another 39 holes so I’ll have another night’s rest and hopefully feel a bit better.”

Howell will resume in the morning and hopefully be starting his third round in the afternoon, follow his progress on swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport.