THE Dubai Desert Classic is home from home for Swindon’s David Howell and he is looking to make the most of home field advantage for what could be the last time.

The 40-year-old, who has a second home on the Emirates Golf Course in Dubai, has put missing the cut at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters last weekend behind him as he looks to get back in the swing this week.

“It (Qatar) was a bit frustrating,” he said. “It was a different kind of week with slow, grainy greens and very windy conditions.

“There are no worries there. I didn’t putt as well as I normally would, mainly down to the different types of green.

“Nothing seemed to click at all and we have wiped that from the memory book and will focus on the fact that I have played quite nicely in the three other weeks going into this week.”

Howell has fond memories of this tournament, having won at the Creek course back in 1999, but a tied 25th finish is his best at the Emirates.

With his eldest son Fred starting school next year Howell and his wife Emily will be looking to move back to England on a full time basis and the two-time Ryder Cup winner is hoping to give his family something to cheer about.

“I basically live on the course, although I haven’t played it since this time last year,” added Howell, who tees off at 8.55am tomorrow morning (GMT). “It is a home week but that also brings its distractions.

“It is never easy playing at home but it is about time that I played well here.

“The Dubai Desert Classic is a great event come Sunday afternoon. There is a good atmosphere here and I have spent too many a year watching from the bar.

“It would be lovely this week to be in contention, especially with my wife and kids here because they might well not be here next year because we are moving back to the UK full time.”