England’s David Howell is delighted to be teeing up first in Thursday’s commencing 143rd Open Championship.

Howell will tee-off at 6.25am and joined by former Open Champion David Duval and past European No. 1 Robert Karlsson of Sweden.

The three-ball will be the first of 52 matches and with Korean Hun An Byeong enjoying the distinction of teeing-up last at 4.06pm local time.

And while Howell said indicated it is not the first occasion he has been out in the first group it will be a first in teeing off to start the championship.

David Howell ends seven-year winless drought with 2013 Alfred Dunhill Links victory and now he’s first out in this year’s Open Championship. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

“My first reaction was that I’m thrilled and first things first, it is a nice group I am in with David Duval and Robert Karlsson,” he said.

“They are two nice guys and I get on both well.  I played in the first group before in an Open but I don’t think I hit the first shot and I think that was at Royal Troon.

“So it’s a good thing and a thrill  but then nothing major, and just nice to get it out of the way.

“However you when you come to The Open it’s a challenge as to whether you get a late tee time or an early on, and you would always wish for an early one and as early as Thursday is.  So I don’t think you will find any of us complaining.

“It does mean I will have to get up around 4am roughly and that now means I will have to cut things short, and I may have to change my practice preperation and now play early Wednesday to get the feel of playing at that time of the morning but fortunately I’ve had enough warning of my Thursday tee time.”

The reigning Alfred Dunhill Links champion and five-time Tour winner is no stranger to playing Royal Liverpool and over the past few years he has hosted a number of company outings.

However Howell believes that will not be an advantage as he tees up in his 12th Open but a first in five years after failing to qualify the past four years.

“I have played a lot of social golf here over the last few years and I’ve hosted a lot of golf days here so I know a few  of the members and I have seen a few friendly faces out here already today,” he said.

“So that’s nice but then I am not sure if that gives my any extra advantage over the other guys but it’s a great course, a great test and a great venue for The Open.”

And there is one thing certain either Howell, Duval and or Karlsson will be the 2014 Open champion once they end their round.

“We will each be trying to be the leader going into the clubhouse,” he smiled.

“So, as I said, you always want you early round tee time to be early and Thursday at 6.25am is indeed early.”

As well, Howell indicated that it will probably be a 3-wood off the tee at the 458-yard par four opening hole.