DAVID Howell will begin his challenge in the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon shortly before midday on Thursday.

The two-time Ryder Cup star, from Swindon, will tee off at 11.47pm in the company of South Korea's Seung Yul Noh and American Tony Finau.

The 41 year faces an early start to his second round on Friday morning, with his three-ball the second group out at 6.46am.

Former European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie will hit the first shot on Thursday at his home club after qualifying this year.