GOLF: DAVID Howell exceeded all expectations by finishing tied 11th in the British Masters but there is a major doubt whether the Swindon star can take that form to this week's Irish Open as he continues to walk a fitness tightrope.

The 30-year-old shot a fine closing round of 68 to finish six under par at the Belfry, five shots behind winner Johan Edfors.

It was Howell's first tournament for a month following a nagging back problem.

That injury continues to fester, although it was hard to tell as he did not shoot a single round over par during the four days.

Intensive treatment pulled Howell through now he will wait to see if there's any adverse reaction to playing 72 holes for the first time since the Masters at the start of April.

Even if there is no further flare up, Howell may still rule himself out of the Irish Open where he finished second last year to prevent further aggravation.

"That's the decision I have to make over the next day or two," he said.

"I'll have to see if there is any reaction to playing four rounds.

"I did well at the Irish Open last year and it would be nice to go over there again but it would also be nice to be fully fit again.

"I've got to decide if playing another tournament this week is in my best interests long term."

If Howell does pass himself fit to make the trip to Carton House, he does so in surprisingly good form following the lengthy lay-off.

He followed up an opening round of 70 and two scores of 72 with a rock solid four-under par round of 68.

Birdies at three and 11 put Howell in good shape and he finished with a flourish, picking up shots at the 16th and 18th to leap up the leaderboard and collect just over 45,000 euros in prize money.

A tournament that was billed as a glorified fitness test for Howell proved a profitable exercise.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the way I finished," he said.

"The objective beforehand was just to try and get four rounds in and test the back to see how it felt.

"So to finish as strongly as I did and end up tied for 11th is a pleasant surprise.

"I absolutely exceeded my own expectations I didn't think it would be that great.

"In the circumstances that's probably the best result I could have hoped for."