DAVID Howell believes that there will be plenty of opportunities to lower his score at the BMW International Open in Germany this week.

The Broome Manor pro began the first day in Koln in fine form as he found himself four-under-par after the opening five holes.

However, the Swindon star who turned 39 at the start of the week, suffered a little wobble on eight and nine before pulling it back to end the day in tied 34th with three-under-par.

“All in all it was a pretty decent day,” Howell told the Advertiser. “It was a pretty solid round, but I know I hit a few too many loose shots.

“I hit the water on nine from the middle of the fairway and there were a couple of times that I managed to save par with good wedge shots.

“It was a beautiful day and the course is in great nick so there will be plenty of opportunities to score well.

“A couple went eight-under (Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Danny Willett) but I’m sure the rest of the field will be able to pull them back.”

Howell was also pleased with how his new style of play is working out and particularly happy to see signs of improvements with his driving.

“I’m thinking about it less now,” he said. “The driving was much better, not flawless it is still a work in progress.

“I’m feeling a lot more comfortable with the changes that I’ve made and that is good because we are in an important time of the season and I know I need to kick on.”

Howell will begin his second round at 7am local time today alongside Branden Grace, who is tied 10th after shooting five-under yesterday, and Alvaro Quiros, who starts the day in tied third following a six-under-par round of 66.