A BURST of three birdies in four holes around the turn helped David Howell card a two under par 68 in the opening round of the KLM Open in Holland today.
While fellow European Ryder Cup star Paul Lawrie - in the group behind the Swindon man - was setting the pace at Kennemer Golf Club with a blistering 61, Howell produced a steady round which left him inside the top 30 of the morning starters.
Starting on the 10th, Howell reeled off seven straight pars before his first birdie of the day arrived at the short 17th - his eighth.
The turn for home proved fruitful for the Broome Manor man as he added birdies at the first and par-five second, his only blemish of the day arriving at the fourth.
Behind him, Lawrie carded an eagle and four birdies to race to the turn in 28, equalling the lowest nine-hole score on the European Tour this season.
He set the early pace on nine under, two clear of a group that included England's David Horsey and James Morrison.
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