Wednesday 12 August 2015 14:36, UK
David Howell is relishing the challenge of Whistling Straits after qualifying for his first PGA Championship for eight years.
Howell was in the world's top 10 less than 10 years ago, beating players like Tiger Woods in his pomp and being part of a Ryder Cup-winning team, but injuries and a loss of form saw him drop outside the top 500
It took until his victory in the Dunhill Links at St Andrews in 2013 for him to celebrate reaching the end of what he called a "long, long road from the depths of despair".
The 40-year-old was unable to claim a sixth European Tour title in 2014 and was ranked 150th earlier this season, but finishing third in the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay at the start of August lifted him from 104th to 86th in time to secure his place in the year's final major.
"Right from the word go this year I thought to get into the top 100 from where I was I would need to play some nice golf and make some nice progress, and I've just about done it," Howell said.
"That's where I want to be. We all want to be in the top 50 and I'm some way off that, but heading in the right direction by playing the majors and being around those (top) guys again.
"I wouldn't say it's half the battle, but it certainly makes it easier and you feel a bit better about yourself when you come back and play in the non-majors as well."
Howell made his US PGA debut at Whistling Straits in 2004 and was two under par after the third round before a closing 75 saw him slip to share of 45th.
"I played it in 2004 so I know the course somewhat," added Howell, whose best finish in a major is a share of seventh in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in 2008.
"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."
Watch the 97th PGA Championship on Sky Sports 4 HD this week - coverage of the first round starts on Thursday at 7.00pm.
