SWINDON golfer David Howell will be looking to continue his love affair with the Alstom Open de France when he tees off this morning.

The Broome Manor pro has enjoyed a lot of success at Le Golf National course in Paris, having made it to the weekend on his last three visits, finishing tied eighth in 2013 and tied-fourth in 2012.

Despite missing the cut for three consecutive tournaments prior to last weekend’s top 10 finish in Germany, Howell, who sits 20th in the Order of Merit, never doubted his form.

“I’ve still been playing nice golf and there has been nothing to particularly worry about, but it is always frustrating to miss three cuts,” admitted Howell. “It is a kick in the teeth, being in such good form, and it feels like it sets you back a little bit.

“You have got to look at the bigger picture and I am still in a good position in the Order of Merit and I have played well this year.

“Paris is a tough tournament. It is tough scoring and a really challenging golf course - last week wasn’t so.

“I’ve played really nice in Paris, so I am really looking forward to that and feeling all the better for the low round on Sunday.

“We’ll move on with a lot of positivity into the next three really big weeks.”

Howell will be Wiltshire’s sole representative in next month’s Open Championship at St Andrews after Jordan Smith, of Bowood, missed out at Hillside in Southport, finishing ninth on Tuesday, while Cumberwell Park’s Steve Surry, finished tied 12th at Woburn.

Wrag Barn’s Martin Sell shot 69 and 75 to card a two-over-par total at Royal Cinque Ports in Kent.