DAVID Howell has described his performance at the Open as ‘just what the doctor ordered.’ The 41-year-old recorded his third-best Open finish - tied 22nd - at Royal Troon, battling difficult playing conditions.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner, whose season has been plagued by injury, said: “I think that was my third best finish in The Open which was pleasing especially after the season I have had. With injuries, it’s been a very lacklustre year.

“Having not started that well in the tournament, three over in the first day and a couple over after day two, I felt like I did really well to make the cut and then I obviously had a really positive weekend, so I’m delighted.”

The result may be a turning point for Howell, whose 2016 progress has been stunted by the foot injury that ruled him out for around three months.

He added: “Of course you want to do something amazing but compared to what the rest of the field did, bar the top two (winner Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson), it was a reasonable performance, I didn’t do too much wrong.

“I’ve had two reasonable weeks and hopefully we can build on that, I’m certainly getting some confidence. It’s a reminder that I can still mix with the best players in the world when I’m performing well.”

The Open was won by Stenson after a dazzling display as he and Mickelson distanced themselves from the rest.

The Swindo ace added: “It was incredible, I think we were all enthralled by the golf of those two guys. I think it’s easy to make exclamations about it being the best we have ever seen, but it is definitely one of the best battles that come to mind.’’ Howell will next taste competitive action at the Paul Lawrie Matchplay in Scotland, from August 4.

He added: “I played well there last year and finished third. It’s something different, we don’t play it (matchplay) that often, man against man, it’s straight knockout.

“There will be lots of disappointed people on Thursday and hopefully I won’t be one of them and I can make some progress like I did last year.”