Flawless Howell Leads British Masters; Monty Given Ovation

FOREST OF ARDEN, 7 May 2004 — England’s David Howell found himself the early leader of the British Masters here yesterday thanks to a sparkling first round six-under 66.

It put the 29-year-old one shot ahead of Scotland’s Andrew Coltart and Kenneth Ferrie. It was a flawless round, Howell going out in three-under and coming home in three-under and not a bogey in sight.

Howell might have been top of the leaderboard but most of the interest was on Colin Montgomerie, making his first outing since the US Masters and the announcement that he and his wife were to divorce.

Montgomerie was given an ovation on the first tee on his way to making a par-72 start to the British Masters.

It was the Scot’s first tournament since the announcement a week ago of the break-up of his marriage. “I’ll remember this day for a long, long time,” said Montgomerie after finishing the day six strokes behind first-round leader, fellow Briton David Howell.

Playing partner Nick Faldo has having an even worse time. Three straight bogeys from the second on saw the six-time Major winner drop to three-over.

It was a frustrating day for former US Open champion Retief Goosen, making his first appearance in Europe this year.

South African Goosen went out in four-under but struggled on the way home and had to settle for a level par 72.

Jose-Maria Olazabal, battling to try and win his way on to Europe’s Ryder Cup team continued to struggle.

The Spaniard has complained all season about inconsistency and his opening round highlighted his problems. His scorecard was littered with birdies and bogeys as he carded a 72. Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke was more than satisfied with his two-under par. “Probably the best I have played at any stage this year. The most consistent I have hit the ball,” said the Ulsterman. “I’m pleased with 70. It is not that easy to score out there as you can see from the overall leaderboard. I would have liked it to be about four shots better because I played well enough for it to have been four better but 70 is a decent start,” he added.