IN-FORM Wiltshire ace David Howell is tied for the clubhouse lead at the KLM Open in the Netherlands following a superb opening round today.

The 38-year-old two-time Ryder Cup winner fired a five-under-par 65 at Kennemer Golf & Country Club and is level with Irishman Damien McGrane, Spain's Pablo Larrazabal and Paraguay's Fabrizio Zanotti.

Howell, who admitted to concerns over a toe problem in the lead-up to the event, made gains at regular intervals with three birdies between 13 and 17 giving his card a swift boost.

The last European Tour title won by the Broome Manor pro was the BMW Championship back in 2006.

MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES