Power Rankings: Shell Houston Open

text size

Redstone's Tournament Course makes no secret that it embraces its role as host of the Shell Houston Open, or rather, host of the event immediately preceding the first major of the season.

Got a fantasy question for Rob? Click here to e-mail him. You can also follow Rob on his Twitter account.

As you'd expect from a venue willing to serve as a warm-up for the 32 in the field already eligible for the Masters, Redstone's test is on, around and approaching its greens. Anthony Kim made headlines last year for his playoff victory despite ranking last in fairways hit. He also placed a distant T50 in greens in regulation, but checked in at T7 in putting.

During its five years as host (taking over for its adjacent Member Course in 2006), the Tournament Course has not ranked in the top 25 for most difficult greens to hit in any edition. However, it finished eighth in putting last year and T7 in scrambling. It also sat inside the top three in all three splits of proximity to the hole from 100-175 yards. The overall formula allows escape artists an opportunity to shine and, perhaps, earn a tee time at Augusta National next week.

Once a midweek disturbance that includes a slight risk of rain early Thursday moves out, Mother Nature's lone challenge will be wind throughout the tournament. Escalating high temperatures are expected to reach the high 80s by Sunday.

MORE: Rookies | Medical | Reshuffle | Major qualifiers

Power Rankings: Shell Houston Open

Rank Player   Comment Marc LEISHMAN Coming off a T3 at Bay Hill, where he led the field in putting and carded a bogey-free 66 on Saturday. The non-winner ranks ninth on TOUR in scrambling. Johnson Wagner (2008) and Paul Casey (2009) were first-time winners. Matt KUCHAR Returns after two-week break following a solo fifth at Doral, his fifth top 10 in seven starts. Finished T8 here last year. Currently 10th on TOUR in putting, eighth in scrambling and second in the all-around. Steve MARINO Closing birdie at Bay Hill proved that he's ready to win despite adversity (double bogey at 71st hole). Ranked fifth in putting for the week. Top 20s the last two years at Redstone. Ranks 17th in the all-around. Jason DAY Fits the profile required this week -- 38th on TOUR in putting, 10th in scrambling. Coming off a pair of forgettable finishes on the Florida Swing, but ranked ninth in putting at the Transitions. Placed T8 here in 2008. Lucas GLOVER Week off after season-best T20 at the Transitions, where he ranked sixth in putting. This is just his fifth start of the year. Ranks third on TOUR in putting. Has posted two top 25s in five starts at the Tournament Course. Steve STRICKER Made just one start on the Florida Swing (T18, WGC-Cadillac) for the first time since reclaiming fully-exempt status in 2007. Three top-11 finishes here. Currently ninth on TOUR in putting and second in scrambling. Lee WESTWOOD Still without a top 10 in 2011. Finished T8 here last year, co-leading the field in birdies (20). Also placed T11 in 2009. His strength is tee-to-green, but he's also finished 20th and 27th here in putting in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Spencer LEVIN The 18-hole leader at Bay Hill finished T6 for his fifth six-figure payday in six starts. Ranks 33rd on TOUR in scrambling and third in adjusted scoring average. Also leads the circuit in total birdies. Webb SIMPSON Missed cut at Bay Hill following his solo second at the Transitions, where he led the field in putting and went 5-for-5 in sand saves. Currently 16th on the PGA TOUR in putting and 15th in the all-around. Hunter MAHAN Not the guy you'd expect to see in this feature when scrambling is a premium, but he has three top-11 paydays in five starts here and sits 35th on TOUR in putting. Coming off disappointing weekend at Bay Hill (T38).