DAVID Howell’s challenge for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland came to an abrupt end today when he withdrew during his opening round due to injury.

Howell, playing alongside actor Hugh Grant in the annual pro-am event, held over three courses - St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns - called a halt after nine holes of his round at Carnoustie.

The 41-year-old, who won the tournament back in 2013, admitted to be suffering with a niggling wrist problem in the lead-up to this year's competition.

“I’m gutted. The wrist was a bit better on Wednesday but it was irritable on Tuesday. I wasn’t overly concerned so it came as a bit of a shock on Thursday morning,” Howell told the Advertiser.

“I couldn’t play, I couldn’t swing the clubs so I withdrew as soon as it became apparent. I’ll now have five days of rest to try and be OK for next week “I’ve had it before, it’s very frustrating but hopefully we can sneak something out of the last two events.”

Howell believes it is unlikely that he will qualify for the European Tour's Race to Dubai finale as he is currently 105th in the standings, with only the top 60 making it through to compete in this season's Final Series.

“It’s unlikely that I am going to make the Final Series now but you never know, there are two nice events left,” the two-time Ryder Cup winner said.

“If the wrist feels OK, I might be able to put in a good performance for the next two weeks, but it’s not ideal.

“I have to take it on the chin, it’s been one of those years. Hopefully I’ll start to get some momentum in the rest of the year and get back to where I know I can be.”