Howell embraces Hollywood lifestyle

Charles Howell III is savouring every moment of living like a Hollywood celebrity for his title defence at this week's Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades, California.

The 28-year-old American is staying in Beverly Hills, close to the multimillion-dollar, six-bedroom mansion owned by British soccer player David Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria.

"My wife's uncle lives in Beverly Hills so I get to feel like a superstar for at least one week," a grinning Howell told reporters at Riviera Country Club on Tuesday. "It's a real comfortable week for me."

Georgia native Howell, who won last year's title in a playoff with tournament favourite Phil Mickelson, initially had no idea the Beckhams were his Beverly Hills neighbours for the week.

"I didn't know that was his home until I saw this line of paparazzi," he said. "I mean, we don't do this stuff in Georgia. But there's cars lined up everywhere outside this house and all of these guys with cameras.

"I figured Tiger Woods had lost his ball over there or somebody famous lived there," he added with a flashing smile. "I came to find out it was David Beckham. He's a little more important. He gets recognised a little bit more than I do."

Howell began his week in the world's entertainment capital in appropriate fashion, in front of the cameras filming a television commercial for his sponsors.

"It was essentially a golf ball racing a race car and I happened to be the commentator," the twice PGA Tour winner said. "That led to a lot of yelling and screaming, and to a voice that's a little raspy.

SUTHERLAND IMPERSONATION

"Excuse my voice. In a very LA way, I'm trying to do my impersonation of Kiefer Sutherland."

The motion picture theme continues for Howell on this week's layout. Riviera Country Club has attracted countless Hollywood stars since opening in 1927 and Bogey's Tree on the par-four 12th is named after cinema great Humphrey Bogart.

Club members over the years have included film stars such as Gregory Peck, Walt Disney, Hal Roach, Dean Martin, Vic Damone, Peter Falk, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.

Howell loves the classic nature of the tree-lined, par-71 course.

"It's a special place and not just because I won here. I said I loved this place even when I lost in a playoff to Mike Weir," he said, referring to his runner-spot in 2003.

"It wasn't built for a housing development. It wasn't built for golf carts. It was built just for pure golf. That's a rarity these days on Tour."

Riviera Country Club, designed by George C Thomas, Jr, has been dubbed "Hogan's Alley" in recognition of the titles won here by Ben Hogan in 1947 and 1948, along with two runner-up spots.