DAVID Howell’s rise back into golf’s elite amidst an impressive 2015 season has been cemented by his qualification for the year’s final major - next week’s US PGA Championship.

This year marks the first time Swindon ace Howell has played in more than one major since 2007, with his trip to Whistling Straits following hot on the heels of an appearance at the Open Championship at St Andrews last month.

His place at the US PGA comes after he rose to 86 in the world rankings following a third-placed finish Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play at the weekend, his fifth top-five finish on the European Tour this season.

That is Howell’s highest ranking since the last time he qualified for the final major of the year eight years ago and the 40-year-old could not be happier with how his 2015 has panned out.

“I’m delighted to be in as it was one of my goals for the year,” said Broome Manor pro Howell.

“In your mind you earmark a few things you want to achieve, playing at the Open at St Andrews was one and getting back into the top 100 in the world was another.

“That is what I have done and that has what’s allowed me to qualify. I’m really happy with how I have been playing.”

Howell played at Whistling Straits at the same event back in 2004, where a three-over-par final round saw him fall to a tie for 45th place.

Although he concedes the 7,500+ yard course in Wisconsin does not naturally suit his game, Howell is hopeful that the continuation of his good form will see him in the thick of things.

“I played there in 2004 ahead of the Ryder Cup and was there the last time the PGA was there in 2010 to commentate, but it’s certainly very nice to go back this time and be playing,” added Howell.

“In 2004 I felt like I did reasonably well but had a poor last round which meant I finished down in the 40s. I was in reasonable shape over the first three days.

“It is a good test of golf. I am playing well but it probably isn’t a course that particularly suits me.

“I think it’s one for the bigger hitters, people like Dustin Johnson or Rory (McIlroy), although I am not sure if he is going to be there with his injury.

“There’s no reason why I can’t perform well.

“If I am still in a good position after the first three rounds then you never know.”