DAVID Howell says the positives far outweighed the negatives after he missed out on victory at the Joburg Open by just two shots.

The Broome Manor pro had to settle for a tie for second place after finishing on 15 under at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club as fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan took victory.

But the result still marked Howell’s best result of the fledgling European Tour season and also ensured he booked a place at the Open Championship at St Andrews this summer as one of the best three non-qualified finishers.

“I’m delighted to have qualified and it’s certainly going to be inked into my diary as something to really look forward to later in the year,” said 39-year-old Howell.

“I haven’t played in an Open at St Andrews and I’m not getting any younger, so I knew my chances were running out. I am going to really enjoy it.

“I’ve played there before and it’s somewhere I’ve always done well and I feel like it’s a course that really suits my game.

“I’ve played beautifully this week - I’ve had a triple bogey but still finished 15 under and tied for second.

“I really can’t remember a time when I’ve hit the ball as well as I have done this week and that’s the really encouraging thing.”

Howell was in contention right through the week and started the final round tied for second.

He briefly took the lead after posting four birdies on the front nine but a bogey at the 14th derailed his chances and he never recovered.

Howell headed to the last needing to make eagle to force a play-off with Sullivan and reached the par-five green in two.

However, he missed a 40-foot putt before then sending the follow-up four-footer past the hole as well and had to settle for par and a score of 69.

“Going out (on Sunday) morning, the aim was to win the tournament. I had 19 under in my mind. I wasn’t able to do it but don’t feel like I did anything wrong,” Howell added.

“One bad swing and one bad putt cost me a play-off but that’s how fine the margins are and that’s why it’s so hard to win golf tournaments.

“You can miss a putt anywhere on the course and I’m certainly not the first person to miss a pressure four-footer on the last.

“There’s lots and lots of good stuff there. It’s been a slow start to the year but it’s been a big step up this week and hopefully I can carry that on and move forward for the rest of the year.”