England’s David Howell got the 143rd Open Championship underway here this morning  at Royal Liverpool.

Howell was easily recognisable when he stepped onto the first tee wearing a bright yellow/green shirt and after the hand shakes began munching on a banana.

Then at 6.25am he was introduced by Official Starter Ivor Robson.

The 39-year old Howell, and reigning Alfred Dunhill Links champion, hit a 2-iron hybrid club to start his 12th Open appearance and his first since finishing T52nd in the 2009 Open.

He was joined on the tee by former Open Champion David Duval who hit driver before the third member of the group, Robert Karlsson split the opening fairway with a 2-iron.

David Howell gets the 143rd Open Championship underway. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

David Howell using a 2-iron hybrid club watches the flight of his opening tee shot. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

David Howell gets The Open underway. (Photo – www.theopen.com)