Shell Houston Open 2012: Phil Mickelson and Players Bound for Late Surges

Brian Davis, don't get too comfortable.

The Englishman is currently sitting atop the Shell Houston Open leaderboard at 12-under par. He's been excellent early on, shooting a 68 in Round 1 and a 65 in the second. As good as he's been, though, his lead is far from safe.

There are several players lurking behind him, including some of the most accomplished golfers on the planet. Here are the players most likely to overtake Davis this weekend.

Phil Mickelson

Lefty is sitting two shots off the lead after posting a 65 on Thursday and a disappointing 70 in Round 2. Despite his troubles on Friday, Mickelson is still the most dangerous player in the field.

Last year, he was incredible on the weekend, posting scores of 63 and 65 to win by three strokes. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he made a similar surge this year to take the title from Davis. 

Hunter Mahan

Mahan is tied with Mickelson and a few others at 10-under par, just two shots behind Davis. After posting a 69 and a 67 in the first two rounds, he's already 2-under through five holes in Round 3.

He's had plenty of success at this tournament in the past, finishing sixth in 2009 and eighth in 2011. If he maintains his strong play and fends off Mickelson, he'll take home his first Shell Houston trophy.

Jeff Maggert

Maggert has been the most consistent player at the tournament thus far, shooting a 66 in the first two rounds.

He's already sank 13 birdies while hitting 88.9 percent of his greens in regulation. If he continues to drive the ball well and avoids a late meltdown, Maggert could earn his fourth career PGA Tour victory, and his first since 2006.