DAVID Howell was looking to build on a positive performance at the Czech Masters last weekend when teeing off at the Made In Denmark competition in Silkeborg later today.

The Swindon golfer will tee off at 12.50pm local time in the company of fellow Wiltshire favourite Laurie Canter and South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

Off the back of a tied 36th finish last weekend, the 43-year-old admits his performance in Prague helped put an end to a string of disappointing and frustrating performances.

Howell said: “I was chuffed to make the cut (in Prague). I really wasn’t in good form before the event.

“I didn’t have a swing plan that was working, I didn’t know what I was doing. I was in complete search mode for the first couple of days.

“I’d go as far as saying it was one of the best cuts I’ve made in a long time in terms of making it on the mark.

“I found something on the range to work with and played some nice shots, though I made a couple of mistakes on Saturday.

“Sunday was reasonable with 68 to finish, it’s another top 45 finish which is my marker.

“I’ll try and bring that momentum into this week.”

The two-time Ryder Cup winner jetted back to the UK to spend some time with his family in between both competitions before resting ahead of this weekend’s tournament.

With trees lining the majority of holes at Silkeborg Ry golf course, Howell is expecting the layout – on which he has never before played – to suit his style of play.

“It looks like a very nice tree-lined golf course, much like we see in Surrey,’’ he added. “I hadn’t seen it before, but it looks very pleasant. Hitting the ball straight will help.

“It should suit me. If I can get off to a good start and take the pressure off for Friday that would be welcome.

“My shoulder is holding on. But my back is feeling a little tired and old.”

Fellow Wiltshire player Jordan Smith is also in action.

Derry Hill’s Smith was due to be one of the first players on the course this morning when teeing off at 7.30am local time.