Shell Houston Open 2012 Leaderboard: Masters Contenders Within Striking Distance
The first round of the 2012 Shell Houston Open has been suspended due to rain, though even inclement weather at Redstone couldn't keep a number of the PGA Tour's top contenders from fitting in some solid golf ahead of The Masters.
Most of the field has yet to finish the first 18 holes, with a hefty chunk of competitors having yet to so much as tee off. Nonetheless, let's have a look at how some of the biggest names in the sport are faring on the leaderboard so far.
Keegan Bradley
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The 2011 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year has continued his hot start to the 2012 season, shooting a five-under 67 to find himself tied for sixth at the SHO on Thursday.
Bradley, the defending Masters champion, racked up seven birdies, including five on the back nine, before the precipitation took over. The Vermont native has finished in the top 25 in every event he's played this year, including two top 10s and a runner-up finish at the Northern Trust Open, and will look to keep the ball rolling with an eye toward Augusta.
Lee Westwood's done well to establish himself as a serious contender this season, with a run of solid swings that's followed him to Houston. The 38-year-old Brit is off to a fast start, registering a four-under 68 in the first round at the SHO as he continues his push for a third-career PGA Tour victory.
At this rate, Westy will be well on his way to winding up his third top-10 finish of the season and making another push for a Green Jacket, which he nearly nabbed two years ago.
Rickie Fowler
The time is now for Rickie Fowler to take the next step, from talented youngster to legitimate PGA threat.
And, if Day 1 at the SHO is any indication, he's doing just that. The 23-year-old California kid registered a four-under 68 at Redstone, with five birdies to his credit, and currently sits in a tie for 10th as a result.
With a strong performance over the weekend, Fowler can set himself up for a big performance at The Masters, in which he finished in a tie for 38th last year.
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