DAVID Howell’s search for consistency has seen him link up with former coach Jonathan Wallett.

Wallett was reunited with the 41-year-old during his tied 14th finish in the Hong Kong Open, which also saw the two-time Ryder Cup winner equal a course record with a round of 63.

Going into the new year, Howell states he needs a spell of consistency in order to play his best golf in 2017, something he and his ‘new’ coach have already spoken about. “We talked about it, I’m 41-years-old now and I’m way too long in the tooth now to be trying to change - I had a little bash at that last year,” said the two-time Ryder Cup winner.

“I’ve just trying to get the best out of the game I’ve got, which was great in 2015, although I wasn’t with John.

“I’ve certainly settled and hopefully there won’t be any chopping and changing on the coaching front this coming year.

“I think it will all come down to how healthy my body is.

“The game seems as good as ever when I’m healthy enough to swing it so it’s definitely a case of trying to find a way to feel good, which is proving tricky at the moment.

“It’s in there I just need a period of consistency. If I can get a consistent healthy body all my good golf will come flooding back.” The calendar year has proved a frustrating one for the Swindon golfer, who has been dogged by persistent foot injury.

Looking forward, Howell admits he may have to put up with injuries if he is unable to find a solution for them.

“They say things start to breakdown once you’re over the age of 40 and so far that certainly what has happened to me,” added Howell. “It’s a work in progress, I’m sure there is a solution I’m not sure I’ve got it 100 per cent yet, there is no obvious surgical treatment which can be done.

“At the moment it’s trial and error to get the foot as comfortable as possible, it’s a long winded affair but I’m doing things as diligently as I can.

“It might be that I have to put up with a few more niggles than I am used to going forward as long as it is playable of course.”