DAVID Howell has set a target of climbing back into the world’s top 60 in 2016.

The Swindon ace gets his European Tour season under way today at the BMW SA Open in Johannesburg despite the campaign beginning in October.

But having had the chance to recharge the batteries in Dubai, the Broome Manor pro, who finished last season with three runner-up spots, is looking for a fast start.

“I could have waited until the Tour comes to the Middle East (at the end of January) and not bothered to come out here, but I want to get going,” Howell told the Advertiser.

“I had a good year last year, but I didn’t win anything, I have got to crank that up and get some wins under my belt.

“I managed to get myself back inside the top 100 last year and this year the aim is the top 60, that is well within my capabilities.”

Howell, who is ranked 97 in the world, arrived in South Africa on Tuesday and hit the range immediately having spent six weeks with his young family in the United Arab Emirates.

“I barely played any golf over that six weeks – I spent it being a dad and a family man, which was nice,” said the 40-year-old, who will play alongside South African legend Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman at 7.10am (local time), teeing off from the 10th hole.

“I had a couple of coaching sessions and played a round with my brother (Ian), which was nice.

“I felt that I played pretty decent, but I wasn’t going to beat myself up if I hadn’t because it was great to have a low-key winter.

“The great thing about the first tournament of the season is that there is no pressure.

“I’m feeling good, the body is in good shape and while I felt good on the range I won’t really know how it will be until I tee off.

“There are no expectations, there is just hope and a few nerves.”

Despite having been part of two Ryder Cup winning teams for Europe in 2004 and 2006, Howell doesn’t expect to be heading to Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota in September.

“If I’m there, then I would have had an amazing year and played some unbelievable golf,” he said.

“I would have had to have won quite a few tournaments and be a lot higher in the rankings.

“It is not something that I wake up thinking about, all I’m thinking about is enjoying the year and trying get a win under my belt.”

Meanwhile, Wiltshire’s Laurie Canter gets his round under way at 7.30am (local time).