Swindon golfer David Howell hoping for a yoga lift in South Africa

The 41-year-old, who has missed the cut in his last four tournaments, will be joined by fellow Wiltshire golfers Laurie Canter, Jordan Smith and Steve Surry in Waterkloof at the European Tour event, which gets under way today.

Following his disappointing display at the Joburg Open last week, where he finished tied 166th, the Swindon ace has turned to yoga as he looks to up his game.

“My body is feeling OK. I am a little bit concerned about my hips and other things, I was feeling a little bit old last week,” said Howell.

“I’ve been doing a little bit of yoga and that seems to be helping a little bit with recovery so that is all positive.

“I haven’t been as diligent in the gym as I might have been 10 years ago, it’s helping to clear my mind a little bit.

“It certainly wasn’t my scene 20 years ago but on this week in 2017 it seems to be floating my boat for whatever reason so we will see how long it continues.”

Despite being desperate to post a good score, the 41-year-old insists he is calm about his current lack of form.

“This week is quite a short and fiddly course which should play into my hands - it is all about accuracy. That being said I haven’t been that accurate lately,” added Howell.

“You have got to hit the ball pretty straight, it is a case of seeing what the tournament brings.

“I’ve been working on things to do with my posture, which feels quite awkward, although it might be the right thing to do.

“I just have to tone the swing thoughts down a little bit, keep things simple and put my tournament head on.

“I need to get a nice score under my belt on day one just to get into the tournament and get some confidence. I’m pretty calm about it, I know if I do the right things, I will be able to turn it around.

Howell tees off at 10.20am (GMT time), while Cumberwell Park’s Surry, who came through Tuesday’s qualifer starts at 8.40am, with clubmate Canter and Derry Hill’s Smith starting at 6.40am and 12.30am respectively.