DAVID Howell has said that he is close to the form that is needed to win golf’s ultimate test -The Open.

The 40-year-old is already at the home of golf to prepare and is in a relaxed mood as he looks to win the first major of his career.

Howell appears to be taking the pressure of taking on the best players in the world of golf right now, on the most famous of courses, in his stride.

However when the two-time Ryder Cup winner tees off at St Andrews this morning, he will be going all out for victory, with a major title still a big hole on his mantelpiece.

“This is it,” said Howell.

“It doesn’t come any bigger or better and the time to play well is now.

“I threatened to play well last week and showed some form, but anytime you play well at this time of year, there’s a big week around the corner for you; none bigger than the Open at St Andrews.

“Hopefully, I can hit absolute top form this week once the gun goes off. That’s the plan; to put it all together and play as well as I have ever played.

And there may not be a better time for the Broome Manor pro as he heads into the opening round in some of the finest form of his career.

Since reaching the top 10 in the world in 2006, injury and off the course problems saw Howell slip down the pecking order as his form took a dramatic dive.

However, a now settled Howell has turned that form around and with six top 10 finishes on the European Tour already to his name this season, only equalled by world number one Rory McIlroy, he will be hoping to take his chance, should it present itself, to claim the famous Claret Jug.

“It’s all a big thrill,” added Howell.

“You get here on the Monday and it’s a huge event from the word go.

“You can feel the thousands of people here and it’s exciting – I can’t wait for the gun to go off on Thursday.

“I’ve been very consistent. I’ve had a couple of chances to win, which I haven’t been able to take, and that’s the only frustration.

“Apart from that, I can’t fault the first six months of the season really.

“I’m back on track with two top 10 finishes in the three weeks and coming into the height of the season in good form, which is exciting.”