DAVID HOWELL is on cloud nine after recording his best ever European Tour finish and earning invitations to next year's US and British Open Championships.

Three top 10 placings in his last four European Tour tournaments have lifted the 26-year-old Swindon golfer right up the Volvo Order of Merit rankings.

A 10th place on Sunday in the Volvo Masters in Spain cemented a final position of 14th in the Order of Merit with over £545,000 in prize money.

"It has been my goal for the past three years to achieve a top 15 finish," admitted Howell.

"At last I have finally reached it although everything came in a rush at the end of the season.

"It is a great feeling to have qualified automatically for both the US and British Opens next year.

"I want to play in all the majors and this is a great start."

Howell has competed in four Opens but only played in America once before.

That was in 1999, not long after winning the Dubai Desert Classic.

It was not a happy trip. He failed to make the cut in the Memorial Tournament and then a couple of days later withdrew during the second round of a US Open qualifier.

"I wasn't playing well at the time, missed a cut and my game deteriorated," said Howell.

"Now I will be going back three years later and much wiser.

"Ever since I gained my first tournament win I knew I was good enough to compete.

"Now I have already qualified for the US Open.

"I aim to improve on my last visit to America and enjoy the greatest experience in my life playing in the US Open."

The top 15 finish in the European Tour Order of Merit guarantees invitations to the US and British Opens due to be staged in New York and Muirfield, Scotland, next June and July.

It could also lead to invitations to other big tournaments such as the US PGA and Masters.

Howell for the moment is taking a well earned break from golf. He will not compete in any more tournaments this year.

He is off on holiday shortly and will return to the European Tour in South Africa in the Dunhill Championship in mid-January.