English golfer David Howell has claimed that he is "looking forward" to tackling Whistling Straits when he competes in his first US PGA Championship in eight years.

Howell secured a place in the final major of the year by finishing third in the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay at the start of August.

Back in 2004, Howell carded a 75 to share 45th spot in the field when he made his debut at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

"I played it in 2004 so I know the course somewhat," sportinglife.com quotes Howell as saying. "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."

Howell is currently ranked 86th in the world.