Golfer David Howell has vowed never again to take good golf for granted as he continues his quest to rediscover the old magic in Portugal this week.

The man from Broome Manor joins a host of European Tour stars for the Portuguese Masters at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Club, desperate to see his name restored to the top of the leaderboard.

Howell thought he was finally headed in the right direction when he shot four under par for his opening nine holes at Carnoustie in the Dunhill Links Championship, only to three-putt his way back to the clubhouse for a less-than convincing 71.

After several months of missed cuts and paltry pay-days, Howell insists he will value every good round he plays until he starts to climb back up the world rankings.

He said: "I think we are all a little guilty of taking good golf for granted sometimes.

"There was a time when I was expecting to finish in the top 10 every week, top five if I was playing well and maybe even challenging to win tournaments.

"When you get to a certain point maybe a bit of complacency comes in, I don't know.

"For years I played on the Tour without suffering so much as a blip, but this year has been a real test.

"It's a lesson I'm learning from all the time."

After showing some signs of promise north of the border last weekend, Howell is convinced he could be just one decent round away from rediscovering his form.

And though he is not promising any fireworks in Villamoura tomorrow, the Swindon ace is trying to stay as upbeat as possible.

He said: "I am crying out for a solid round of 67 or 68. I can't expect to shoot a 63 the way I am playing at the moment.

"What is strange is that two years ago I wasn't even looking at what the cut was going to be.

"Now, even when I feel I'm playing well that cut line always seems to be following me.

"But I enjoy Portugal. It is a real golfing community in Villamoura and the atmosphere is always very relaxed.

"This should help me to focus and to go out and try to shoot a couple of low scores."