SWINDON’S David Howell saw his chances of making the cut at the Scottish Open swing strongly into his favour after three birdies in his closing four holes.

The Broome Manor pro went out on the first day of play at Gullane Golf Club with a one-over-par score of 36, after dropping a shot on the third.

However, 40-year-old Howell was back to level par with a birdie on the par-three 12th.

Howell dropped another shot as he bogeyed the par-four 14th before getting himself back into contention.

A run of three-straight birdies, starting at the par-four 15th saw Howell come home in 32 to leave him at two-under-par for the tournament and tied for 34th position.

Howell will start the second day of the Scottish Open at 10.40am alongside Romain Wattel and Emiliano Grillo, five shots off overnight leader, Dane Thorbjorn Olesen.