DAVID Howell is hoping a return to his tried and tested putter will hold the key to success at the Maybank Malaysian Open this week.

The 36-year-old turned away from the putter he has used for the last six years for a spell earlier this year, but following a missed cut in Sicily last time out he has returned to his trusty Yes Golf Callie 32.

Howell is hoping the change will do him good as he goes out in the third group out alongside Haziq Hamizan and Gary Boyd at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, teeing off at 12.50am GMT.

“I had used the same putter for about six years before I had a bit of a change, but I have not been putting great so I have decided to go back, so hopefully that will bring me some luck,” he said.

“I am feeling good and have some clear things in mind for my swing, which is key going into tournaments like this.”

Howell has competed in the tournament on five occasions at various courses during his career, with a best finish of tied 27th in 1999.

The Broome Manor pro is looking for a good finish this time around, on what is his second visit to the Kuala Lumpur course.

“It is certainly a tough course but there are some birdie opportunities out there,” he said.

“I played a round on Tuesday and felt quite good, so I know what to expect.

“I have not had great success in this tournament so a high finish would be very welcome. There is some water around which needs to be avoided, but if I can do that I am confident I can do well.”

Howell will have to beat the humidity if he is going to trouble the front-runners, which include Masters runner-up Louis Oosthuizen and 2011 Augusta champion Charl Schwartzel who will play together for the opening two rounds.

“It is a strong field certainly, and that is good to see,” he said.

“There are three key things you need to face when you play in Asia, and the humidity is one of them.

“I am going out early which is good, and that should help as I can avoid the heat of the day.

“The greens are always quite grainy, and you need to read them well which I should be okay with.

“Another key thing is to drive the ball well, and I have been working on that going into the tournament.”