SWINDON’S David Howell will be looking to get off the mark quickly when he takes to the course in Germany today.

The 41-year-old tees off in the Porsche European Open this afternoon as he continues his hunt for a first tournament win this season.

Howell will be looking to pick up where he left off last weekend in Italy, where he recorded three under par rounds over the course of the four days.

However, despite being in contention heading into the weekend on a score of five under par, the Broome Manor pro fell off the pace over the weekend with rounds of two under par and level par, finishing 15 shots behind eventual winner Francesco Molinari.

Howell will be looking to improve on his tied 67th place finish last term, as the competition at the Golf Resort Bad Griesbach returns to the international schedule.

And with the Ryder Cup just a week away from starting at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Chaska, Minnesota, the field is wide open, with home favourite Martin Kaymer one of only two of the 12-strong European team taking part in the tournament.