Arizona Golf News

Howell Wins HSBC in China

By Ryan Looney

As Tiger Woods' tee shot on the 16 th sailed into the water, David Howell breathed a sigh of relief. His three-stroke lead intact, and Tiger's comeback effort thwarted, he could finally start to enjoy himself.

Finishing at 20-under-par, Howell earned $833,000 in prize money and won his third European Tour event. He confirmed his status as one of golf's rising stars, following an exciting and surprising performance in last year's Ryder Cup. In August, he held off a late charge from John Daly for a one-stroke victory at the BMW International Open, snapping a six-year winless streak.

"It's taken me awhile," said Howell after Sunday's round, "But I am coming to realize that I am pretty good. I am a better player than I ever thought I would be, and I am still not satisfied." The win rocketed Howell to third in the European Ryder Cup standings, and makes him the 13 th ranked golfer in the world.

Woods finished second for the second time in two weeks. He began Sunday one shot off the pace, but Howell quickly jumped ahead with three birdies in the first five holes. Woods never made up the ground, finishing with a disappointing 70.

"Two seconds in two weeks, they are good weeks, "said Woods. "But second doesn't feel as good as first, that's for sure."

Woods will have an opportunity to cash in on his solid play in the next few weeks, beginning this week in Japan at the Dunlop Phoenix. After that, he will play the PGA Grand Slam, the Skins Game, and the Target World Challenge.