5:51pm Friday 3rd July 2009
DAVID Howell blew a promising start to his second round at the Open de France ALSTOM to miss a European Tour cut for the fourth successive time in Paris yesterday.
Howell, already in trouble after a three-over par round of 74 on day one at Le Golf National, posted two birdies in the opening three holes to give himself hope of staying around for the weekend.
But his problem started on the par four fifth as he dropped a shot before the wheels came off in spectacular fashion.
First, the Broome Manor man slumped to a double bogey seven at the long par five ninth to slip to four over for the tournament.
Then, three shots went in the space of two holes at the 12th and 13th - including a second double bogey - to end his hopes.
Argentina’s Rafa Echenique held the lead on 10 under par after adding a second-round 67to his opening 65 to lead by two.
Swindon has a chance of an Open Championship hat-trick next week.
Wrag Barn pro Martin Sell and former Kingsdown schoolboy Sam Matton both feature in final qualifying for the third major championship of the season at Turnberry.
Sell plays two rounds on Monday and Tuesday at the Glasgow Gailes course, while Matton is at the nearby Western Gailes venue.
They will be battling for one of the four spots available at each venue for the Open, which starts on July 16 and already sees Swindon’s two-time Ryder Cup star Howell already qualified courtesy of his seventh-placed finish in last year’s tournament.
The former coach of Ryder Cup stars David Howell and Darren Clarke hosts an open day at Wrag Barn on July 11.
Peter Mitchell - a three-time winner on the European Tour during the 1990s - brings his touring golf academy to Wiltshire with a series of lessons available and free swing checks.
For details contact Wrag Barn on 01793 861327.
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