DAVID Howell has once again been paired with movie star Hugh Grant for this weekend’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championships in Scotland.

The duo, who have frequently been partnered together for the event have enjoyed success in previous appearances with Howell clinching a tour win at the event back in 2013.

Howell goes into the tournament rejuvenated after a short break from European Tour action as he was in the studio with Sky Sports as part of their Ryder Cup coverage last weekend.

The pro-am event sees sportsmen such as cricketer Kevin Peterson, musician Ronan Keating and presenter Piers Morgan take part.

With work commitments and a neck strain to contend with for the build-up, Howell says he is taking a relaxed approach to the tournament.

“I have had no preparation as I was working last week and to be honest, I couldn’t have done much anyway because my neck locked up,” he said.

“I don’t know whether I strained a muscle or something during a workout, or whether I just woke up with a crooked neck - that is what it felt like.

“It’s taken a while to work it’s way out. I’ve got full movement in my neck but I’ll never know. It’s another thing to add to the tale of woe.

“I played six holes on Tuesday and six holes on Wednesday, so I haven’t had a lot of practice.

“I have my old partner (Grant) back.

“He says his back is killing too so we will be a pair of old men out on the course.

“I’m looking forward to how we do. I think there will be quite breezy conditions so I’ll see what the week brings.

“The competition is very different to the rest of them so I am trying to take a very relaxed view and enjoy the company of everyone.”

Wiltshire’s Laurie Canter and Jordan Smith are also set to feature, they will be partnered by businessman Rurik Gobel and Annesley MacFarlane respectively for the contest.