French Open: European number one David Howell has set his sights on winning his first Order of Merit title and then becoming a global force in the game.

Howell leads the money list by just under €485,000 from fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup team-mate Paul Casey, a winner last week at Gleneagles, having clocked up two victories and two top-10 finishes this season.

But with neither Casey nor Colin Montgomerie, third on the money list, in the field, the Swindon 31-year-old has a chance to extend his advantage further in the French Open, which has a winner's cheque worth €666,660.

And although he does not want to look beyond this week, he admits he has grand ambitions.

"It is definitely my goal to be European number one," he said. "Strangely, last summer, just before the US Open, I was second in the Order of Merit, and almost as soon as I decided my goal for the rest of the year was to win it I got injured and was out for two months.

"This year things have gone slightly better than that and I am still number one midway through the season.

"Certainly one of my goals at the start of the year was to win the Order of Merit.

"It is going to be difficult but I have a nice head start."

With such a substantial first prize on offer at Le Golf National in Paris, Howell could give himself a real boost ahead of an important six weeks which takes in a number of big tournaments, including next week's European Open at the K Club and the British Open at Hoylake.

But the Englishman has designs further afield as well.

"I am a better player than I was two or three years ago and that is just through hard work and improving my technique," he added.

"I think the natural step for me, if I could plan my career, would be to win in America. I haven't put myself in that situation yet. Then the next step is to try to win a major.

"Before, I didn't dream I could contend in a major. At least now I think there is no reason why I can't contend or even win one.

"My mindset has changed slightly. I am number one in the Order of Merit and I'm in a situation whereby if I didn't win it I would possibly be disappointed."

Jose Maria Olazabal, another of the big names at the event, admitted the tournament signalled the beginning of a crucial period for many members of the European Tour, as it could decide whether they make the Ryder Cup team.

The Spaniard is virtually guaranteed a place as he is third on the world points list, but even he, seeing how much money is on offer over the coming months, would like a couple of good performances just to reassure himself.

"From now on, if you look at the stretch of tournaments we are playing, anyone who is not in the team - or even anywhere near the team - if they do well in a couple of events he is going to be back in the ball game," he said.

Among those who will be hoping to exploit the opportunity in the next few weeks is Graeme McDowell, who has recently found a bit of form, including earning a place at Hoylake by qualifying at Sunningdale on Tuesday.

McDowell has been given a high-profile draw this week, partnering Henrik Stenson, who is assured of his Ryder Cup place, and local favourite Gregory Havret.

There are seven other Irish in the field. Padraig Harrington will play alongside Michael Campbell and Jean-Francois Remesy.

Paul McGinley, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane, Gary Murphy, Michael Hoey and Philip Walton complete the Irish contingent.