David Howell relishing a "big old test" in US PGA Championship

English golfer David Howell has claimed that he is "looking forward" to tackling Whistling Straits when he competes in his first US PGA Championship in eight years.

Howell secured a place in the final major of the year by finishing third in the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay at the start of August.

Back in 2004, Howell carded a 75 to share 45th spot in the field when he made his debut at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

"I played it in 2004 so I know the course somewhat," sportinglife.com quotes Howell as saying. "It's a big old test but I am looking forward to it.

"It's an impressive golf course, quite intimidating visually but I did all right there in 2004. I had a bad last round to finish 45th but was in reasonable shape with a round to go so it shows I can play it.

"After eight years it's good to be back in the US PGA. I managed to get in the Open and I didn't try and qualify for the US Open. I felt that was a mistake and I regretted it."

Howell is currently ranked 86th in the world.