Shell Houston Open-Analysis and Picks

[BuzzRavanaugh]

THE EVENT
The US Tour continues its travels around the country with Redstone GC in Texas hosting the Houston Open.This event has been held in either late April or early May for the last 12 years.It's position this year in mid April has ensured a strong field will be fronting this week.Included in the field this week are Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, KJ Choi and defending champion Fred Couples.'Freddie' won this event last year by 4 strokes, after either holding or sharing the lead after every round.The course seemed to favour longish hitters last year, as tied for second were Appleby, Calcavecchia and Kuehne.
THE COURSE
Redstone GC is a par 72 layout that is 7,508 yards long.It was designed by PGA Tour veteran Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy."We built Redstone anticipating the distances guys can hit the ball and how much farther they'll hit it in the coming years,"Jacobsen said."You don't see guys hit 4- or 5-irons into greens anymore -- unless it's their second shot on a par 5.We have a lot of strong par 4s, but the fairways are flat and the greens are at fairway grade with openings to allow for different shots and for recoveries."Jacobsen said a player's total game will be tested with emphasis on true shot-making, that is, the ability to shape shots into the small greens and escape from trouble.
OTHER POINTS
* Texans often go well in the Lone Star State.Mark Brooks and Phil Blackmar were winners in the 1990s, Jeff Maggert runner-up three times, and Californian Fred Couples, who went to college in Houston, has won this event and run third twice.Local players who have performed well in this state in the past include Harrison Frazar, Fred Couples, Brad Elder, Mark Brooks, Jeff Maggert, JP Hayes, Tom Byrum, Justin Leonard and Steve Elkington.
* Also worth noting is that this tournament has produced 6 first-time winners in the last 14 years it has been held, so many young hopefuls will be eyeing off this coveted prize.
PAST WINNERS
2003 - Fred Couples, 2002 - Vijay Singh, 2001 - Hal Sutton, 2000 - Robert Allenby, 1999 - Stuart Appleby, 1998 - David Duval, 1997 - Phil Blackmar, 1996 - Mark Brooks, 1995 - Payne Stewart, 1994 - Mike Heinen, 1993 - Jim McGovern ,1992 - Fred Funk, 1991 - Fulton Allem

[Railbird]

First, let me add that Stewart Cink is a cheater, and the pga rules officals are cowards, thats 2 weeks in a row they have been cowards.



Daly to win at 30-1, he is the odds on favorite IMO.

[jlpblade]

available at tradewinds:


7222 J DALY 4000

[namathfan]

I think the top 4 finishers all averaged more than 300 yds off the tee last year. Is Hank Kuehne worth a shot??