He has had a lifetime relationship with Cochrane Castle Golf Club in Johnstone, Renfrewshire.

Howard first joined Clydesdale Bank and later switched to Rolls-Royce, where he was made redundant in 1993.

After that he became a full-time amateur golfer, that and his previous success on the golf course led him to a job in customer relations with club-maker John Letters.

Howard was a lifelong friend of Sam Torrance, who became a successful professional golfer.

Howard played on the Great Britain and Ireland team in the Walker Cup twice, winning in 1995 at Royal Portcawl.