DAVID Howell tees off at the Open de Espana this afternoon hoping to arrest a run of three missed cuts in a row.

Swindon golfer Howell failed to make the cut at last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after posting a score of three-over after three rounds.

The 44-year-old also headed home early at each of the European Tour’s two previous events – the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the KLM Open in the Netherlands.

Recent woes have continued what has been a season of struggle for Howell on the continent’s top tier as he has made the cut at just four events from 20 entries in the 2019 campaign.

The Broome Manor man will therefore be keen for better fortunes at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

Howell was able to qualify for the weekend action at this event last year, providing hope that the trip to Spain might mark a turnaround in form.

The Open de Espana took place in April during the 2018 season and Howell finished on nine-under after four rounds to place in a tie for 39th.

Howell gets his first round at 1.40pm BST today playing alongside Sweden’s Jens Dantorp and Welshman Jamie Donaldson.