Ryder Cup hero and Sky Sports commentator David Howell joins Dan Davies for a wide-ranging conversation about a pro golf career spanning three decades, the advantages of a ‘joyful’ mindset, playing in Ryder Cups, battling and beating peak-era Tiger Woods, and formative experiences alongside legends such as Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal. Across the episode, Howell reveals how a self-made but super smart mental approach helped him compete at the highest level, why joy and a love for the game shaped his career, and how his passion for team golf—especially the Ryder Cup—became his defining motivation.
Key Themes
How David Howell built a long DP World Tour career from an unconventional junior background
Mental strategies used to handle pressure against world-class players
Inside stories of Ryder Cup preparation and team-room dynamics
Competing against peak Tiger Woods and simplifying performance goals
Early career breakthrough in South Africa and self-belief development
Playing with and against Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal
Evolution of the DP World Tour and global professional golf
The secrets, sounds and sensations of elite putting
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to this week’s guest, David Howell
02:05 – Broadcasting with Sky Sport and the 2025 US Open at Shinnecock
03:39 – Turning pro in 1995 & South African breakthrough
05:08 – Playing alongside Ernie Els & early belief moment
08:37 – First DP World Tour wins & career progression
09:16 – Peak Tiger Woods at HSBC Champions
11:43 – Strategy against Tiger & mindset of control
13:01 – Amateur background & peers on the rise
15:08 – No obsession with heroes: the focus on enjoyment
17:19 – Seve Trophy memories & beating Seve and Olazábal
23:09 – Ryder Cup inspiration & childhood memories (1985–1989)
25:44 – 2004 Ryder Cup debut at Oakland Hills
29:58 – Team strategy with Paul Casey
34:34 – Thoughts on Ryder Cup captaincy
37:53 – European Tour identity & Ryder Cup “DNA”
41:41 – The challenges facing the DP World Tour
52:09 – Life on tour: friendships, dinners & social culture
54:54 – Walker Cup memories & early Tiger Woods encounters
59:33 – The art of putting & short game philosophy
1:02:19 – When was David Howell happiest in golf?
About the Guest
David Howell is a former European Ryder Cup player with multiple DP World Tour victories and over 700 career appearances. He is also a respected golf broadcaster with Sky Sports and a senior figure within the DP World Tour. Known for his affable personality, deadly short game and fund of great stories, Howell offers one of the most candid and thoughtful perspectives in modern professional golf.
Links
David Howell on Twitter
David Howell on Instagram
Sounder Golf - use code POD20 for a 20% discount
RNGC - Britain’s premier backyard golf course
Dan Davies on Substack
The Mini Masters in aid of Leukaemia UK
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