5 Reasons To Watch This Week’s Shell Houston Open

We’re only a week away from the biggest tournament in golf, the Masters, which means that casual golf fans may forget that there’s actually a solid tournament taking place this week. Some of the top players aren’t choosing to take the week off, as the field is a strong one for what should be an excellent few days of golf as we get ready for the grandaddy of them all next week. Here’s ten reasons to watch this week:

1. The field

Again, in year’s past, it’s hard to tell sometimes what exactly we’ll be getting with this tournament. Will the top players choose to take the week off and prepare for Augusta’s unique setup, or will they try to stay on the course, and get sort of a rhythm going? It’s evident that most have chosen the latter this year, as most of the top stars are participating in this week’s event. Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey, Rory McIlroy, and Lee Westwood are all in the field this week, and are all looking to make some noise and build a little momentum heading into next week.

2. Ernie’s streak

Think about this possible scenario. Ernie Els comes into the tournament having won two straight, and somehow finds a way to win once again this week. He head to Augusta next week, and heads into the final round with a two shot lead over Tiger Woods. Using the confidence and momentum that he’s built over recent weeks, Ernie putts in for par on the 18th to hold off Woods and win by a stroke. If he can win this week, his confidence may be at an all-time high. And that’s something that is needed when you head to the Masters.

3. Fred’s streak

Ernie isn’t the only one heading into the Shell Houston Open with recent wins under his belt. Fred Couples has won his last three tournaments on the Champions Tour, and with some success this week, would have to be considered a sleeper pick for the Masters. He’s got the experience and calm demeanor to win it, which is why he’s looking to build on his excellent play this week. The perfect scenario for the fans would be for he and Ernie to battle it out in a close Sunday finish. However, that may take a lot out of them heading into next week, so a Top 10 finish would probably be sufficient.

4. Find out who’s hot

Again, it’s got a lot to do with momentum. Watching this week will allow you to see who has been playing well, and who could potentially slip in under the radar at Augusta. While this is golf, and a lot changes from week to week, I don’t ever want to underestimate the value of confidence and momentum. If a guy makes a run towards the top this week, and finishes on a high note, I tend to believe that he’ll take that into the following week. The Masters is a different kind of beast though, so maybe it doesn’t play into the mix as much this week. I still don’t think you can overlook this particular aspect, however.

5. The calm before the storm

The biggest reason of all to watch this week is the setting. It’s pre-Tigerpalooza. It’ll be a calm atmosphere, and some of golf’s best will be front and center. Next week, it’ll be absolute craziness, as Tiger’s return will completely overtake everything else that is going on. It’s the Masters, so there will still be plenty of golf to check out, but Tiger’s story will take the world stage, and will probably have you exhausted by around noon on Thursday. So relax and enjoy this week. Because next week will be unlike any you’ve ever seen in the history of professional golf.