DAVID HOWELL TO PLAY IN MACAU
OPEN NEXT MONTH

Ryder Cup hero David Howell of England will star in next month's Macau Open which celebrates a milestone with its 10th anniversary celebration this year.
Howell, ranked 24th in the world, will add to an already long list of illustrious names who have previously headlined the Macau Open. The 31-year-old will be joined by two-time winner Zhang Lian-wei of China and title-holder Kane Webber of Australia.
Major champions Nick Faldo, Vijay Singh, Mark O'Meara and Nick Price are amongst the big-name players who have competed in the popular US$300,000 Asian Tour event previously, which takes place at the spectacular Macau Golf and Country Club from May 17-20.
Howell, winner of two titles in the 2006 European season and third on the Order of Merit, is looking forward to his maiden trip to Macau. He has tasted success previously in Asia, beating world number one Tiger Woods to triumph in the 2005 HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
“I am looking forward to playing in the Macau Open. It should be an interesting week. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the golf course and its unique practice range (where golfers hit golf balls into the sea) and I’m sure it will be a great tournament,” said Howell.
“When the opportunity to play in Macau came my way, I decided to take it up and experience the tournament for myself. My preparation is going to be a bit unique but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m going there to not only enjoy the golf but also to enjoy the place as well,” he added.
Before flying out to Macau, Howell will tap on the knowledge of compatriot Lee Westwood, who triumphed in Macau in 1999. “Lee has mentioned that it is an interesting golf course and that it is hilly. I don’t know what to expect but it sounded like one of those places on the planet that was worth visiting," he said.
The Macau Golf and Country Club offers breathtaking views of the Hac Sa Beach and South China Sea. The Macau Open will be the 14th leg of this season's Asian Tour Schedule.