DAVID Howell has split from his swing coach Clive Tucker after six years together, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.

The Swindon star made the decision to axe Tucker after missing the cut at the Bay Hill Invitational in Florida.

Howell spent last week entertaining clients for his sponsors CA in Miami, after which he announced he was seeking a new coach.

Howell told his website: "Clive has been instrumental in helping me achieve so many goals over the last few years.

"He has improved my knowledge of the golf swing immensely and we have shared some great moments.

"However, with the downturn in my form still lingering around I felt it was the right time to hear some new ideas.

"Graeme McDowell, one of Clive's other clients, won in Korea last week which I was so pleased to see for both of them.

"I'm sure under Clive's watchful eye he will continue to rise up the rankings, just as I did."

Howell soared to number nine in the world under Tucker's guidance, but has decided to separate from the Mannings-Heath based coach after slumping to a lowly 227th.

The 32-year-old will link up with a new coach ahead of next week's Portuguese Open in Estoril, where he hopes to find his form after an inconsistent start to the season.