DAVID Howell is feeling refreshed after a week off and is looking forward to an improved last third of the season.

Howell did not enter the Czech Masters after missing the cut at the Made In Denmark tournament the week before. Having had some time at home with his family and working on apsects of his game as well as conditioning, the Broome Manor pro is excited to get back on the course.

The 39-year-old is in Italy for the 71st italian Open at Circolo Golf Torino today, looking to push himself up the order of merit and boost his chances of appearing at the season-ending Race To Dubai event.

Speaking to the Advertiser after his pro-am round yesterday Howell recognised the season has not gone entirely to plan to this point but he is hopeful he can push on.

“Let’s be honest it’s not been a great season so far, that said I’m 65th in the order of merit,” he said.

“I wasn’t so far off that two seasons ago when I was pleased with my position and last year I was only a couple places higher before I had that win at the Dunhill Links. It’s not what I wanted but it’s not terrible.

“I managed to get plenty in last week, some gym work, some time on the practice course and some family time. Now I’m raring to go and get the card in the hand, looking to what is hopefully a good last third of the season.

“If I’m playing strongly in the last few months then I’ll have a chance to get into the Race To Dubai tournament, so there’s lots to play for.

“I’m swinging well and all parts of my game are feeling good. Of late it’s been much better, obviously I missed the cut in Denmark, but before that I played well at the Scottish Open and in the Open, as well a good tournament in France, except for the final day.

“It’s a really nice tournament the Italian Open, a classic European Tour event. It’s a national tournament, on a nice open course, with some really good Italian players for the home crowd to get behind.

“It’s a tough course, the rough is very thick so if you find the fairway you could see some good scores and if you don’t we could see some really bad scores.

“I’ve been working on the swing, just trying to keep a balance on all parts of my game. I’m swinging the club well, so that’s all settling nicely into place, I’m feeling comfortable in terms of my game. Now I’ve got to go out execute well and get stuck right into the tournament.”

Howell tees off at 7.20am UK time alongside Joost Luiten and Padraig Harrington.