Shell Houston Open 2012: Tee Times, Date and TV Schedule

The final week of preparation for the Masters is upon us, meaning Augusta is right around the corner. The Shell Houston Open is the last opportunity for non-qualified players to earn a trip to the Masters, but they have to win to do so. 

A year ago, Phil Mickelson won the tournament with a score of 20 under (par). Will another top name like Lefty claim it this year, or will someone earn a trip to the Masters? This is everything you need to know for the weekend. 

When: Thursday, March 29 - Sunday, April 1.

Where: Redstone Golf Club Tournament Course. Humble, Texas.

What They're Saying:

Farrell Evans of ESPN wrote about how this tournament is important for the Masters. Not only do non- qualified players have one more chance to get in, but previously qualified players are using it as one final bit of prep.

"

"Since 2007, when the Shell Houston Open's spot on the PGA Tour schedule was moved to the week before the Masters, the Tournament Course has become a nice primer for players trying to prepare for Augusta in tournament conditions."

"There are 25 players at Houston this week who are in the field at Augusta. Most of them have come specifically to prepare for what promises to be one of the most exciting Masters in years."

"

Golfer to Watch:

Ernie Els. He has become a fixture at the Masters for most of the last two decades, but is not qualified and has to win this week to earn a trip to Augusta. While he's never won the Masters, Els has six Top-10 showings there and two second-place finishes. He will undeniably be pulling out all the stops to win and get in. 

Tee Times

Notable Opening two round groupings (All Times ET)

Thursday	Friday	Golfer	Golfer	Golfer
1:40 p.m.	8:50 a.m.	Phil Mickelson	Charl Schwartzel	Fred Couples
8:50 a.m.	1:40 p.m.	Keegan Bradley	Graeme McDowell	Lee Westwood
9:00 a.m.	1:50 p.m.	Hunter Mahan	Johnson Wagner	Steve Stricker
1:50 p.m.	9:00 a.m.	Kyle Stanley	Anthony Kim	Ernie Els
2:00 p.m.	9:10 a.m.	Lucas Glover	Jason Bohn	Camillo Villegas

Full list of first two rounds' tee times available at PGATour.com.

TV Schedule

Live Broadcasts

Round	Date	Time	TV
Round 1	Thursday, March 29	3 p.m.	GOLF
Round 2	Friday, March 30	3 p.m.	GOLF
Round 3	Saturday, March 31	1 p.m./3 p.m.	GOLF/NBC
Round 4	Sunday, April 1	1 p.m./3 p.m.	GOLF/NBC

Replays

Round	Date	Time	TV
Round 1	Thursday, March 29	9:30 p.m.	GOLF
Round 2	Friday, March 30	9:30 p.m.	GOLF
Round 3	Saturday, March 31	9:30 p.m.	GOLF
Round 4	Sunday, April 1	9:30 p.m.	GOLF
Round 4	Monday, April 2	11 a.m.	GOLF

Prediction: Phil Mickelson

Look for the focus to be there this week, and Mickelson clearly likes this course. Not only did Lefty win last year, but it's hard to believe he would be playing the week before the Masters if he didn't have a great feeling for the venue. He will cash that in for a win this week. 

Follow @mdixon1985