SWINDON’S David Howell struggled with his driver as he finished outside the top 40 at the KLM Open in Holland.

After a steady start to the tournament, carding scores of 68 and 69 to make the cut, Howell had a disappointing Saturday to leave him out of contention going into the final day.

The Broome Manor Pro failed to control his driver on Saturday and three bogeys and a double bogey on the 12th hole saw him start his final round at level par.

Despite struggling the Wiltshireman dug deep and scored a three-under-par 67 which included five birdies to finish in tied 41st.

“Saturday was a very frustrating day, it has been a case of three strong rounds and one poor round this weekend,” he said.

“I didn’t drive the ball very well and I never really felt in control with the driver and that is probably what cost me.

“I putted nicely but I wasn’t quite in control of the ball off the tee.

“One of my aims going into any tournament is to make it into the top 45 or I think the weekend wasn’t worth it, so I really battled right to the last.

“This probably shows how important it is to play all 72 holes.

“I hit my best score of the weekend today even though I felt like I was playing a lot better on Thursday and Friday.

“The course is a links course which was a nice change.

“There is a lot of trouble just off the fairways and it is quite an unusual course for the tour.

“I think everyone enjoyed it because it is not just a case of how far you can hit the ball it is about keeping the ball straight and judging the distance.”

The Swindon player’s next focus will be closer to home when he tees off in the ISPS Honda Wales Open at Celtic Manor on Thursday.

“We’re in pretty good shape to make it through to the season ending in Dubai and I hope for some nice results and have a really big finish,” Howell added.

“I have a big tournament now in Wales on a course I haven’t done played well at recently.

“Being a Swindon lad though it is probably my closest course on the tour to home so I will be looking forward to some local home support.”