Shell Houston Open 2012: Golfers Who Need Strong Showing Before 2012 Masters

There are 31 golfers participating in the 2012 Shell Houston Open that will be in the 2012 Masters field, and while all of them need to shine this weekend, there are some who definitely need to more than others. 

Whether they're star golfers or young guns on the rise, these guys must do well this weekend before the biggest golf event of the year. 

Being able to have success right before the Masters will do wonders for these golfers mental psyche. All this golf event is for these guys is preparation for Augusta, which means they must avoid flopping.  

With that said, here are three golfers in 2012 Shell Houston Open who must succeed. 

Graeme McDowell

After failing to catch Tiger Woods at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last weekend, McDowell needs a strong finish at the 2012 Shell Houston Open. 

He shot a 74 in the final round a week ago, which easily allowed Tiger to win. A poor performance to close out the weekend right before the Masters would definitely doom the 32-year-old from Northern Ireland. 

McDowell is currently tied for 28th place at two under par. He has to make a big push this weekend to get his confidence sky high again. 

Rickie Fowler 

The young rising star in the golf world is off to a great start in Houston, but he'll need to maintain that or it will crush his spirits. 

That's the last thing that he needs right before he plays at Augusta National. At the young age of 23, Fowler still has a lot of room to grow and get better. 

After one round, Fowler is tied for 10th place at four under, which is just three shots behind the leader. A dominant performance to close out the weekend will do wonders for him moving forward. 

Phil Mickelson 

With Tiger Woods' recent win at Bay Hill, Mickelson has to thrive at Augusta to show that he's still the best American golfer.

It all starts with how the lefty does in Houston. 

When Tiger was in his slump, Mickelson rose up and began to own. He's the defending champ at the Shell Houston Open, so not only does he need to do well in preparation for the Masters, Mickelson must also prove that he can defend his title well.

A strong showing in Houston will lead to great things for Mickelson.