DAVID Howell admits last weekend was a harsh reminder of the fine margins at the top of the game after he failed to make the cut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The 41-year-old missed out on qualification for the weekend’s rounds by just one shot, although two-time Ryder Cup winner Howell believes there are still some positives to take forward into the Qatar Masters, which begins today.

“It’s very fine margins, one shot here or there in golf can make all of the difference,” said Howell.

“I need to put two solid rounds together and I’ll be safely through - I’m looking forward to big things over the weekend.

“I feel like the way I played last time means I have something to take into the week, so that is pleasing.”

Last year was a turbulent one for the Swindon ace after he struggled with both injury and form throughout the 12 months.

A mysterious foot injury had caused him discomfort for the majority of the season, before being hampered by a wrist injury at the tail-end of the campaign.

However, Howell has now had to come to terms with the foot injury, which is something he believes he will now have to manage permanently.

“The foot is holding up pretty well, which is another positive. It’s not normal but in terms of playing golf, it’s absolutely fine,” added Howell, who will tee off this morning in Doha at 4am GMT.

“I look forward to hopefully having no worries on that front.

“Hopefully we can not just make cuts, but play well and shoot some good scores as well.”

Howell is due to tee off alongside another Wiltshire golfer, Jordan Smith, and the Derry Hill player will be looking to maintain his good start to life on the European Tour.

The 24-year-old won the Challenge Tour Order of Merit in 2016 and hasn’t looked back since making the step up, kicking off 2017 with a third -placed finish at the BMW SA Open.

He then backed up with a tied 39th finish in Abu Dhabi.