Shell Houston Open 2012 Leaderboard: Stars in Desperate Need of Strong Showing

The Shell Houston Open is the calm before the big storm on the PGA Tour.

With the Masters next week, players are trying to do everything they can to get their game straight before heading to Augusta. Some of the top players in the world will be playing in this event, and need to get their act in order before the first major of the year. 

Here is a look at the top players who are going to need a strong showing at the Shell Houston Open this weekend. 

Phil Mickelson

As has become tradition with Mickelson, he has been wildly inconsistent in seven PGA Tour events so far this year. He has won once, finished second in another and finished below the top 25 in four events. 

With the Masters fast approaching, Lefty needs to show something in this event. He has to prove his driver is where it needs to be, and that his putting is not going to be a problem in the first major of the year. 

No one loves to air things out more than Mickelson, but he has to be focused on playing as well as he can this week to build some confidence heading into Augusta. 

Lee Westwood

Westwood is playing in just his fourth PGA Tour event this season—he has played three tournaments on the European Tour already. He has yet to win an event, though he did finish fourth in back-to-back events at the Accenture Match Play tournament and the Honda Classic. 

This is a big event for Westwood. He hasn't played in two weeks, and his last event was a 29th place finish that included an opening-round 76. 

After battling back to finish five under par (-5), Westwood is getting a good feel for his stroke. He can't afford a letdown this weekend. 

Charl Schwartzel

Last year's Masters champion, Schwartzel has had his problems on tour so far this year. He has finished in the top 5 twice, but he was lost at the Transitions Championship two weeks ago en route to shooting a 149 in two rounds. 

Now is the time where Schwartzel has to get back on track.

Schwartzel is still one of the better putters on tour, it's just about him finding his shot off the tee. He has never been a long driver, but his accuracy always helped him play better. 

Schwartzel has to find that sweet shot with his driver in order to make sure he doesn't stub his toe again as he looks to defend his Masters' title. 

For a look at the leaderboard, follow Bleacher Report's live golf coverage and check out the link here. 

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