Howell is up to 41 on the European Order of Merit

Swindon's David Howell was pleased with a tie for third place in the Johnnie Walker Classic at Gleneagles.

Howell earned about �80,000 after a final round of 71 saw him finish three strokes behind winner Gregory Havret.

Speaking to the official tour website, Howell said: "I didn't really ever challenge right at the top and it took a strong finish to sneak third place.

"It's been a good week, all in all so I'll go home fairly happy with myself," added the 33-year-old.

However, Howell did acknowledged that his result could have been even better.

He said: "It's disappointing to fall a couple of shots short after having a chance to win.

"I've missed two really quite short putts on the par fives early on and that really cost me my momentum."