Shell Houston Open 2012 Leaderboard: Phil Mickelson Will Dominate the Weekend

Phil Mickelson will dominate the final rounds of the Shell Houston Open and take some positive momentum with him to Augusta next week for the Masters.

Mickelson won the tournament last season and is currently fourth on the leaderboard at two under (par), just four shots back going into the weekend.

Lefty is very familiar with this course and knows how to beat it. His ball striking off the tee has been solid through the first two rounds, and although his putting needs to get better, it hasn't been poor this week.

Mickelson was consistent throughout his second round on Friday. He made four birdies with two bogeys, but did make a disappointing bogey on the 18th hole.

If Mickelson can start off well on Saturday, he will cruise to the title. There is no pressure on him during this event; he doesn't have to win or prove anything to anyone.

There are many players whose status for the Masters rides on their performance this weekend, which may make them crumble under pressure and allow Lefty to climb up the leaderboard.

This will allow him to relax over the final two rounds and concentrate on fine tuning his game before the Masters.

Regardless of his finish at the Houston Open he will be a top contender in Augusta next week, but he would also receive a big boost of confidence with a win this weekend.

There's no better way to head into a massively important tournament such as the Masters, than by coming off a win the week before.