WILTSHIRE golfer David Howell gave away 278 places to Rory McIlroy on the world rankings at the Irish Open in Killarney today but beat him by eight shots to storm into contention for a first victory in five years.

The former Ryder Cup star from Swindon reignited his career with a superb seven-under-par 64 in the windiest and wettest conditions of the week.

Playing partner McIlroy, the US Open champion and world number four, started with a double bogey and managed only a 72, the same as Graeme McDowell on his 32nd birthday.

The two Northern Irish stars were left deep in the pack on three under while Howell moved to the top of the leaderboard on 11 under par, alongside Australia's Richard Green and England's Simon Dyson.

Howell reached ninth in the world after he beat Tiger Woods head-to-head in China and then had a runaway victory in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

But after winning a second Ryder Cup cap later that season his career went into freefall.

The 36-year-old stopped the rot when he was close to dropping outside the top 500 and has fought his way back to 282nd.

"I'm flying now - I must be one of the hottest players in the world," he joked.

"I've not been in the best of form, 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 I think I was inspired by the atmosphere. The crowds were amazing."

He also shot 64 on the opening day last year and commented: "They're the best two rounds I've had in a year and three days."

Only once has he scored better in his entire European Tour career.

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