DAVID Howell got off to a disastrous start at the UBS Hong Kong Open after carding a five over-par round of 75.

The 42-year-old, who finished tied 14th at the same event last year, made a disappointing start to his round after teeing off on the 10th.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner collected his first bogey of the day on the par-five 11th - his second hole - before recording a run of five level-par scores and then further blemishing his scorecard.

The run of pars was brought to an abrupt end in the shape of back-to-back bogey fives on his eighth and ninth holes.

On his back nine Howell hit a triple-bogey on the par-four third – his 12th - before reclaiming a stoke a hole later with a birdie three.

Howell, who struggled for form and fitness last year, signed off his round with another string of pars to finish five-over.