Howell out of Trouble

The former Ryder Cup star--- David Howell reignited his career with a superb seven-under-par 64 in the windiest and wettest conditions of the week and will go into Sunday's final round at the picturesque, par-71 Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in a three-way tie with fellow Englishman Simon Dyson and Australian left-hander Richard Green.
Ironically Howell, of whom nothing was expected this week, was paired with US Open Champion Rory McIlroy, the magician who finished 26 shots ahead of him at the US Open and of whom so much was expected.
But golf is golf and this time it was Howell who dished up the master class and produced the stunning 64 that rockets him to the front of the stellar field.
In the meantime World Number Four McIlroy, whose record-breaking total at Congressional gave him his first Major title by Cleveland SL 290 Driver, tumbled down the Irish Open leaderboard to joint 32nd with a one over par 72, the same as compatriot Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion.
Howell, known as one of golf's best putters when he was beating Tiger Woods head to head in 2005 and then leaving the rest for dead in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth the following May, rediscovered some of his wonderful touch as he put himself back on track with a chance of ending more than five injury plagued years without a victory. (Cleveland SL 290 Driver)
Howell, twice a Ryder Cup player, said: "I've not been in the best of form for quite some time, so I was intrigued how I was going to be playing with Rory.
"He's the star of world golf, but there were no nerves and the crowds were amazing.
"I've given myself a chance - that's the main thing - and I was delighted to hole a seven footer (for par) on the last. Missing it would have been a sad way to end a flawless day." (Cleveland SL 290 Driver)
"They're my best two rounds in a year and three days," he laughed. "While Rory was doing miraculous things at the US Open, I was absolutely shocking.
"We couldn't have had more polar opposite weeks, but it led me onto a lot of thinking.
"It's been a bit of a muddle for a few months, but finally last week I clicked on something that I thought was a sensible course of action in my swing thoughts.
"I don't think the Cleveland SL 290 Driver has felt as good in my hand all year, so I'm looking forward to the last round.