Howell has been away from the circuit for 6 weeks. He firstly thought he had just tweaked his back, through lifting luggage, and after that problem had cleared up, David was left with a sore shoulder. He asked around and all the advice was to get it checked out which has included using the new Red Bull Physio Unit.

‘I was in there yesterday morning. The lads are always good looking after us. It’s a great service and looking lovely now – all new add plush.’

Another face at the top of leaderboards, and for the first time in a while, was David Coltart, who described his start to the year as ‘terrible’.

Asked why his game clicked today, the answer was simple and direct –

‘I have no idea – if I had know that I would have flicked the switch a long time ago.

‘I used to be very hard on myself – I remember a long time ago, the first couple of years on Tour, if you had a tough time you would shut yourself in the room and not come out.’

Becoming a father has given the Scot a different perspective which includes a realisation that in a good career, there will be more than a handful of mistakes. He was also forthright about how he prefers courses which don’t demand just long hitting.

‘I don’t think that golf is enjoyable when it is drive, three iron, two iron and there is no creativity. I have a new Taylor Made driver and it has been going well. I think I have a little more length. I haven’t looked at the stats but perhaps 15 yards more or something.’

Having played (one match) in the Ryder Cup, and now a parent, Coltart was asked about his ambitions and whether he thought he had reached his potential yet – and about help such as psychologists.

‘With ambitions and expectation you have to be careful you don’t set difficult targets which make things difficult to accomplish and a loss of confidence comes at the end of that. I am still as ambitious but I haven’t got near to where I want to be. There was a wee spell last year when in five weeks I finished in the top 10 four times, something like that, that is the kind of position I want to be in.

‘Psychologists – yes I have worked with three, but I sacked them all!’

Howell and Coltart are both ISM players, the most famous of which is Darren Clarke and the 2003 Amex Champion was happy with his opening 70.

‘That is probably the best I have played at any stage this year and the most consistent I have hit the ball, lets put it that way. I hit my drives well, my irons were good and Pete (Coleman – ex Bernard Langer’s caddie) was very good on the bag today – I played well.’

Clarke is sure to threaten.

Ken Ferrie was the other player from the morning round to score really well, shooting a 67. This was another good round from last year’s Spanish open Champion and he was quick to counter any questions about his size compared with some of the more ‘athletic’ new stars of the tour.

‘I am a big buy, always have been and always going to be. I have an understanding it has some bearing on my golf. I think a lot of guys have done harm rather than good by doing the whole gym thing. Have I ever tried Quorn – You don’t get my size being Vegetarian!’

The afternoon players soon put much more red on the main scoreboard and a few threatened the am leaders, notably Trevor Immelman, Brian Davis and Raphael Jaquelin. ‘Creeping’ up with then was Edward Romero, -5 after 15 and with the par five 7th next.

Immelman produced a six birdie 67 to be one back. Davis was a shot worse having gone out in 32 (-4) – Jaquelin finished with the same score.

There w as very warm Warwickshire welcome for Colin Montgomerie (which has very much appreciated) and despite a poor start, Monty produced three birdies in his 72. There will be no copy on Monty (other than his golf) on this web site for at least the next four weeks – its our editorial policy that he is just a Professional Golfer playing himself back into (hopefully) top form and he should be left to get on with it.

The man who was making a statement was probably the star player who was sent out from the 10th, Romero. He duly took advantage of the 7th, and went close at the 8th in his chase for the lead on his own, only to falter with a bogey at the last for a 67. Its looking like a cracking four days.

And to cap it all, Peter Hedblom had a hole in one on the 18th - it would have won him a car if at had been on the final round

All pictures are © Mick Payton 2004