DAVID Howell enjoyed a fine opening round at the BMW International Open in Munich today.

The Swindon ace, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Tuesday, ended the day in Germany three-under-par following a round of 69.

However, the day did not begin well for the Broome Manor pro as he scored a bogey four on the second hole.

But back-to-back birdies on three and four, followed by a birdie four on six put Howell two-under, before another bogey four, this time on eight, saw him go out in 35.

The former Ryder Cup winner then parred the first three holes of the turn as he looked to finish strong.

Howell then picked up his fourth birdie of the day on 13 and then a birdie two on 17 saw him move to three-under before finishing off with a par five.

Tomorrow, Howell will be hoping for another impressive performance as he tees off at 7.20am (BST) alongside joint-leader Rafa Cabrera-Bello and South African Retief Goosen.

The Swindon star has failed to make the cut in his last three tournaments, however, it appears that Howell, who has not played for the last three weeks, has been working hard during his break.