DAVID Howell is set to make a last-minute decision on his fitness on whether or not to compete in the British Masters today as he continues to struggle with a wrist injury.

The 41-year-old was forced to withdraw from last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship during his opening round after aggravating the problem.

After a scan showed inflammation to his left wrist, Howell was deciding this morning if he would take part in the prestigious tournament at The Grove, in Hertfordshire, with the Swindon ace due to tee off at 9.10am alongside Sweden’s Pelle Edberg and English amateur Scott Gregory.

“It’s been a week since (the injury). I’ve had a scan and there is some inflammation but it is nothing major,” said the Broome Manor pro.

“I haven’t done anything terrible to the wrist but it’s not a fully fit one either, so hopefully another night’s rest and it’ll be okay.

“It’s frustrating but what can you do? I just need to make a sensible decision.

“If it (my season) ends tomorrow, I’ve got six or seven weeks to get fit, start again and it will all be forgotten. It’s not the end of the world.

“Wrists are very common injuries in golfers, especially at my age where there is a lot of wear and tear.”

Despite potentially pulling out of the competition, Howell is desperate to play to secure his top 110 ranking to ensure he is inprime position to feature in the European Tour’s top events in future.

“We are coming towards the end of the season and I desperately want to finish in the top 110 because it will help my ranking,” added Howell, a five-time winner on the European Tour.

“It’s not the end of the world if I don’t finish in the top 110 but I’m playing for my professional pride as well as my ranking.

“We are at an interesting period in the tour’s future with new tournaments coming up so from that perspective, that’s why I am keen to hold on to the top 110 position.

“It could pan out that I finish in the top 110 without hitting a shot - it’s not all doom and gloom.”

“There are two tournaments left so it’s not ideal but I’ve had a shocker of a year injury-wise. Thankfully, I’m coming to the end of the season.

“I’m not feeling any pressure because it doesn’t change things drastically. It doesn’t drop me off the tour, so I am very lucky in that respect.”