DAVID Howell is ready to knuckle down to business at the Turkish Airlines Open, despite enjoying a carefree build-up to the penultimate European Tour event of the year.

The Swindon star is due to tee off tomorrow at 8.45am GMT at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek in the last event before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai later this month.

Howell, who finished joint-44th at the inaugural Turkish event last year, is all but certain of a top-60 qualifying place in the Race to Dubai rankings and says he’s ready to give it his all in his quest to be in the mix for honours over the next four days of play.

“I’m going to be in Dubai so that’s not a problem. It’s another big event and the prize money fun is huge once again,” said Howell, who finished eight under par, tied 24th, on his last outing at the BMW Masters in Shanghai.

“I travelled out here a day earlier than I usually would, so I’ve been here since Sunday and got three good practice rounds in.

“There’s a bit of a relaxed feel about it because it’s a holiday resort.

“It’s a lovely hotel and it’s a proper golfing environment.

“It’s a lot like their version of the Algarve in Portugal.

“It’s a great course but it’s never really stress-free because you always have tension before a tournament – I’ll have my game face on very soon.

“Most of the top players in Europe are here and there’s no cut, so we’re all going to be fighting tooth and nail for the top prizes.

“I’m pleased with every department of my game at the moment and hopefully I can do well.

“I didn’t play very well last year but I wasn’t in the bet of health.

“I had a shoulder injury and that didn’t help me at all, so hopefully things can go a lot smoother this time.”