Ryder Cup fillip for Howell after closing 67

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - David Howell boosted his slim Ryder Cup hopes with a rousing finish at the British Open on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Englishman, 79th in the Ryder Cup world points list, shrugged off strong winds to fire a three-under-par 67 in the final round at Royal Birkdale, matching the second lowest score of the week.

"I am greatly encouraged by finishing so strongly," Howell told reporters after covering the back nine in two-under 34 as stiff winds whipped across the links layout.

"On Thursday I said to my caddie: 'What are we doing here?', I was playing so badly. But you don't give up, this is the Open.

"I've not written off my Ryder Cup hopes but I have to have a good result in the World Golf Championship in two weeks' time," he said of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

Howell, who eagled the par-five 17th on his way to a 12-over tally of 292, was frustrated by his putting form during a wind-buffeted week.

"Putting is normally the strongest part of my game but I have struggled with it in these conditions and today I had three three-putts," he said.

"That was very strange. I had three three-putts and shot 67 so it goes to show what can be done. But I holed a bunker shot as well so things didn't go against me."