Swindon's most celebrated golfer David Howell is closing in on the all-time record for tournaments played on the European Tour. As of the 9th of June 2023, Howell has 714 career starts on Europe’s premier golf tour which means that he is only six behind the current record holder Miguel Ángel Jiménez who has managed 720.
When will Howell surpass Jiménez's record?
There are 19 events left this season on the European Tour schedule but Howell will only be eligible to play in 16 of them as three of the tournaments still to come in 2023 are the US Open, British Open, and the Ryder Cup. Of course, the Ryder Cup itself is a competition that the 47-year-old Howell knows well and has even won twice during his distinguished career when he inspired Europe to victory in 2004 and 2006.
In 2023 however, it should be said that the chances of a European victory look less assured than they did when Howell was at the peak of his powers given that anyone betting on golf will see Pádraig Harrington’s charges at 2/1 to win in Rome.
In fact, the golf betting tips this week continue to make a strong case for an American win at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in early October. As for Howell, the tour veteran will only be able to watch on as Europe and America do battle in the Eternal City but there is a good chance that come the first tee shot of the Ryder Cup, Howell himself would have set what could be an everlasting record on tour.
The exact date that this accomplishment takes place is hard to pinpoint with the utmost certainty but should Howell stay fit then it is likely to happen at the end of August during the playing of the Omega European Masters - a competition that South African Thriston Lawrence won in 2022 after triumphing in a playoff.
This signature event on the European Tour is held annually at the breathtaking Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, and would be a fitting setting for such a remarkable achievement that could stand the test of time.
Of course, it is possible that the evergreen Jiménez adds to his 720 appearances on tour but with the Spaniard playing most of his golf on the senior’s tour these days, that number shouldn’t increase by much. Tellingly, the 59-year-old only played in four events on the European Tour in 2022 which strongly indicates that Howell, who is 12 years Jiménez’s junior, will soon begin to build an unassailable lead at the top of the appearance charts.
What is the key to Howell’s unprecedented longevity?
At the core of Howell’s unprecedented longevity is a simple driving force: a deep love for the game of golf. This is a man, after all, who decided his life’s work would be professional golf which is why he left education early to pursue a career in the game.
Naturally, you can only imagine the ominous warnings that Howell would have had from those around him regarding the risks of not earning a degree and throwing all his eggs into one basket. While those cautionary tales would have carried a large element of truth, Howell’s unwavering commitment to achieving his goal negated the chances of failure and in 1995, the Swindon-born golfer officially turned pro. 28 years later and after 714 events played, £12,679,561 made in prize money, and five career wins, Howell has been thoroughly vindicated in his decision to try and make a living in golf.
Now, the 47-year-old stands on the brink of writing his name into the history books after outlasting anyone to have ever played in Europe; not bad for a boy from Swindon.
