DAVID Howell made it back-to-back under-par rounds at the Tshwane Open in South Africa today with another one-under score of 70 to make the cut for the second tournament in succession on the European Tour.

Swindon star Howell saw his early season ambitions curtailed due to a series of injury issues but qualified for the weekend action for the first time in 2018 at the Qatar Masters last time out.

The Broome Manor man has now done likewise in Waterkloof and begins his third round on two-under and inside the top 50.

Howell kicked off the tournament with a one-under 70 on Thursday and he matched that effort in Friday’s second round, although his scoring was more inconsistent as he posted three birdies and two bogeys alongside 13 pars.

Teeing off at the 10th hole at Pretoria Golf Club, the 42-year-old immediately ran into trouble as he began his round with a bogey.

After seven pars in succession, Howell was able to get back to level par for the day by the time he reached the turn with a first birdie of the day at the 18th hole – his ninth.

However, that was immediately offset by another bogey as Howell turned for home although another birdie four holes later had him even for the day once more.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner was then able to toast a strong finish to his round with another birdie at his final hole to finish one-under for the day and two-under overall.

Home player George Coetzee currently leads the way on 11-under after a fine seven-under second round of 64.

That score was matched by another Wiltshire golfer, Laurie Canter, who climbed into the top 15 on five-under overall.

Cumberwell Park player Canter enjoyed a blemish free round, with seven birdies along the way.