DAVID Howell felt he produced his best round of the year today after signing off the Italian Open with a three-under-par 68.

Swindon star Howell has struggled with injuries and form throughout the 2017 season, with this week’s tournament just the fifth time he has made the cut in 19 events on the European Tour.

Although the 42-year-old’s five-under total saw him finish well down the leaderboard in a tie for 58th place, Howell left at Golf Club Milano in high spirits.

Following his final round, Howell posted on Twitter: “A breeze block went in today. The best I've played all year. Enjoyed the whole round and finished with a 40-foot bomb on the last.”

Starting the final day at two-under, Broome Manor man Howell was able to climb some places on the leaderboard early on as birdies at the fifth and ninth holes saw him reach the turn two-under for the day and four-under overall.

Although a shot was relinquished with a bogey on 10, Howell did not let that hold him back and he claimed a third birdie of the day on the 14th.

Momentum stalled once again after a second bogey on 16 but the two-time Ryder Cup winner signed off the round in style, claiming a birdie-birdie finish for a three-under round and five-under overall.