DAVID Howell will extend his winter break into a sixth week after the Swindon golfer made a late withdrawal from this week’s BMW SA Open.
Howell was scheduled to return to action in the first tournament back in the new year at Glendower Golf Club in Gaunteng following the European Tour’s hiatus over the festive season.
However, having initially been on the entry list for the event, which gets under way this morning, the 41-year-old has pulled out of the competition for reasons which are as yet unknown.
Broome Manor man Howell was plagued by injuries in 2016, including foot and back problems, but enjoyed a strong performance in his first event of the 2017 Tour, with a tied 14th place finish at the UBS Hong Kong Open in early December.
That included a round that tied the course record of 63 at Hong Kong Golf Club, although Howell told the Advertiser after the tournament that a foot complaint was still causing him issues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here