DAVID Howell enjoyed a good first day at Omega European Masters in Switzerland following fine opening round.

The Swindon ace, who finished tied third a fortnight ago at the Czech Masters, shot a three-under-par 67 to leave himself tied 23rd and three shots off the lead.

The 41-year-old got his round off at the Crans-sur-Sierre to a fine start as he moved to two-under after the opening three holes.

The Broome Manor pro parred hole one before a birdie three on the second followed by a birdie two on the third gave him a dream start.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner then parred holes four, five, six and seven only to blot his copybook on the eighth with a bogey four.

However, Howell, went back to two-under as he turned for home with a birdie four at the ninth.

He then had a solid back nine, with a birdie three on the 12th, to put him in a nice position going into tomorrow’s second round, which will see Howell tee off from the 10th at 8am (BST).