DAVID Howell has continued his good form in South Africa, finishing the first day of the Africa Open just one shot off the club-house leader.

With more than half of the field yet to tee-off that position could well change through the course of the day, but a four under-par score has set a solid foundation for the four day tournament.

The Broome Manor pro picked up where he left off last weekend at the Joburg Open, where he finished tied second and secured a place at The Open.

Starting on the ninth hole, the 39-year-old made a steady start scoring a birdie on the par four 11th but followed that up with a bogey on the par four 12th.

Birdies on the 14th and 17th hole put Howell in a strong position at the turn and he followed that up with birdies on the first and third holes.

Howell missed a couple of chances to record a lower score on the closing holes but will be happy going into the second day in the hunt for the lead.