David Howell, who always performs well at the Wales Open, has won The Royal Bank of Scotland Shot of the Year Award for the superb tee shot he played during The 35th Ryder Cup Matches at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan. The 29-year-old Englishman will receive The Royal Bank of Scotland Shot of the Year Trophy and a cheque for £2000 to be donated to a charity of his choice.

Howell and fellow countryman, Paul Casey, were one down with two holes to play against Americans Chad Campbell and Jim Furyk after 16 holes in the Saturday morning fourball match.

Howell then proceeded to strike a magnificent six iron from 203 yards to within five feet of the pin at the 17th hole and rolled in the putt for a birdie two to square the match. The Europeans then won the final hole to secure a victory which proved pivotal in the outcome of the Matches.

At one point, the Europeans were in danger of losing the session 4-0 but fought back to end the morning 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 and the point supplied by Casey and Howell was hailed by their team-mates as the inspiration to go on and win the afternoon foursomes session 3-1.