Big Stars Shining at Houston Open

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Jordan Spieth
Credit: Getty Images/Stacy Revere

Not only did all six of the top-ranked players in the Houston Open field make the cut, all six are in contention after 36 holes of play.

Rickie Fowler
Credit: Getty Images/Stacy Revere

World No. 8 Rickie Fowler shot a second-day 68, and is one back of leader Beau Hossler, who, after rounds of 65-68, is 11 under

Fowler, who carded five birdies, shared the lead with Hossler until a final-hole bogey dropped him to 10-under par and T2.

“Yeah, obviously in a good position and nice to be there, you know, with making some mistakes the first couple days. Definitely happy with where we’re heading,” said Fowler.

“I know I can clean some stuff up over the next two days. But yeah, good solid start, and like I said, I know we can get some stuff cleaned up the next two days and next week.”

The field’s highest-ranked player, Jordan Spieth, is one further back at 9-under par. The World No. 4 from Texas followed up an opening-round 68 with a 67 and sits T6.

Spieth was cruising along bogey-free and 6 under par through 14 holes, but a disappointing par on the par-5 15th was followed by a bogey on the par-3 16th to put a blemish on an otherwise perfect round.

“It’s a round that could have been really special, but I don’t have to have an 8 or 9 under round. I feel like my game’s in form and that’s really cool,” said Spieth. “I’m having a lot of fun out there.”

Jordan Spieth
Credit: Getty Images/Stacy Revere

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson posted a second-consecutive 68 and is tied with world No. 20 Matt Kuchar at 8-under par.

Through 36 holes, the world No. 15 Stenson is bogey-free with six birdies and an eagle.

World No. 5 Justin Rose, who shot a bogey-free 68 on Friday, is at 7-under par, and just four off the lead.

“To go bogey free out there today was definitely, I’m pleased with that,” said Rose.

“It wasn’t always as smooth as maybe it looked. I hit a couple poor shots, but caught a good break on No. 5. I thought my ball was in the hazard, then hit it right on the green, made a great up-and-down there to keep the round going.”

Also at 7 under is Ian Poulter who shot a low-round 64 on Friday to move into contention following a first-day 73. Poulter is one of several high-profile players who need a win in Houston to get into the Masters.

Finally, Phil Mickelson rounds out the headliners at 5-under par following rounds of 68 and 71.


TOP-RANKED STARS

1 Beau Hossler -11
2 Rickie Fowler -10
6 Jordan Spieth -9
11 Matt Kuchar -8
11 Henrik Stenson -8
23 Justin Rose -7
42 Phil Mickelson -5


Credit: PGA Tour Media, Getty Images


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