Loads of bad weather at the Shell Houston Open yesterday, most of the field did not finish yesterday and will have to play a little extra on Friday to get finished. Our leader after day one (well at least half of day one)? Carl Pettersson and Angel Cabrera, both of which posted a hot 65 to finish day one at -7 under par. Cabrera birdied his 18th hole to get to -7 under, while Pettersson had it at -8 under par but stumbled coming in with a bogey on 17 to fall back to -7 under. Ricky Barnes, Jeff Maggert, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Steve Stricker and Lee Westwood all had notable first rounds to be only a few off the lead (they all finished their first rounds). Thats quite a leader board for the week before the Masters when we are use to players opting out to go hang around Augusta.
Who is near the top with a few holes to go? Last years Shell Houston Open Champion Mr. Phil Mickelson is -5 under par, with almost the entire back nine to play (he was through the 10th hole when play was called yesterday). We could easily have a new first round leader on Friday if the Loveable Lefty comes out swinging (and when does he not come out swinging) knocks in a few birdies and finishes day one on day two at the top of the leader board.
I am always a fan of the week before a Major on the PGA Tour. We get to see some of the guys out there trying to get into the tournament (i.e. the Masters). We get to see some of the veterans come out and try to get one more win or top 5 on the PGA Tour. Champions Tour Players like Fred Couples or just some of the veteran guys trying to hang out with the young guys like Jeff Maggert, and Billy Mayfair. Guys who have won multiple times on the PGA Tour, but are trying to squeeze out one more victory. With the SUPER SUPER Stars (not including Phil) gone it gives some other guys a time to shine. Maybe a crusty veteran, or a noob can get out there and claim a PGA Tour Victory!
Chicago Golf Guy 