SWINDON’S David Howell had a shaky getaway at the Porsche European Open in Germany today.

Teeing off shortly after midday at the Green Eagle Golf Course in Hamburg, Howell, who is enduring one of his must testing seasons on the tour, kicked his round off with a bogey five, starting on the 10th hole.

That was soon followed by another bogey five on the 12th before Howell was able to temporarily steady the ship with three pars.

However, a bogey on the par-five 16th, followed by a double bogey on the par-three 17th had the two-time Ryder Cup winner in serious trouble.

Howell was able to pick up a shot with a birdie on 18 to make the turn in a four-over-par 42.

After parring the opening two holes after the turning, the 42-year-old dropped another shot with a bogey five at the third.

The Broome Manor pro parred the final six holes as he ended the day with a five-over par round of 77.