DAVID Howell has set himself a big target as he goes into the season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The Broome Manor pro wants a top three finish to secure a place in the European Tour’s top 30 end of year rankings spots, thus automatically qualifying himself for the Open at St Andrew’s next year.

Only a top three finish would see Howell jump from his current spot at 53 into the top 30 but the 39-year-old is aiming high, as he hopes to avoid the challenge of having to qualify through his Tour position.

“Your world ranking is always a constant, you always want to be a higher than you are. The tournament is also one last chance to try and get up in the European Tour rankings,” Howell told the Advertiser, ahead of today’s first round at the Jumeirah Golf Estate complex.

“If there is one goal for me – and I’d have to go some to do – it’s to get an automatic qualifying spot for the Open.

“You have to finish in the European Tour’s top 30, so I have finish in the top three here. It would be great to do it.

“That would certainly seal the year off beautifully and there is a chance to do that by performing well this week.

“Obviously you don’t set off down the first tee too concerned about where you finish, you just want to find the fairway, but it is an aim in the abck of your mind.”

For Howell, the World Tour Championship is a home tournament as he and his family are based in the Emirate for the winter season.

“It’s been a home week for me this week. I’ve just been relaxing and practicing. It’s a bit different as I don’t play many where I can stay at home, but it’s lovely in its way.”