Howell plans to go all-out
DULUTH, Ga. - Charles Howell possesses a game that draws comparisons to Tiger Woods. But when it comes to objectively assessing his own faults, Howell is in a league of his own.
''I couldn't have putted into an ocean today,'' Howell said Saturday after his 1-under 69 included 35 putts and at least a half-dozen missed opportunities.
''I putted terribly, horribly. If I had putted at all I could have had a great day. I hit it as good as anybody.''
Playing on the weekend for the first time in a major championship, the PGA Tour rookie from Augusta felt no nerves teeing off in the afternoon. All Howell needed was a few birdies to get right into the thick of the PGA Championship race.
But Howell fought his putter while trying to gauge the speed of the greens. He left reasonable birdie putts short on Nos. 1 and 6, missed a 7-footer at No. 8 and three-putted after reaching the par-5 5th hole in two. His only bogey came on No. 3 after he sprayed his drive close to the out-of-bounds and left his recovery in a bunker.
But Howell, who hit 15 greens in regulation, came home with birdies at Nos. 12 and 16 to moved to 3-under for the tournament. With some much distance between him and the leaders, he says he'll hold nothing back in today's final round at Atlanta Athletic Club.
''I'll try to make as many birdies as possible,'' he said. ''For me not to go at a pin (today) they'll probably have to put it in the water. I don't have anything to lose. A top four will get me into (the Masters), so the only thing I have to go for is that. I'll let the other guys try to fight for the PGA Championship.''
Despite teeing off while Woods was still on the course, Howell had quite a gallery of his own following him and New Zealander Grant Waite. With extra tickets courtesy of fellow tour rookie David Gossett, Howell's Army marched around the course all afternoon.
''All of them are Augustans,'' said Howell's wife, Heather.
In spite of all the support, Howell said rounds like Saturday's aren't as fun when the putts don't fall.
''Contrary to popular belief, golf is not a fun game,'' he said. ''It's fun when you're playing well and it's not so fun when you're not playing well. Today was OK, I guess.''
Reach Scott Michaux at (706) 823-3219.
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