High winds suspend play at Shell Houston Open

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HUMBLE, Texas (AP) -- The first round of the Shell Houston Open has been suspended because of high winds.

Half the 72-player field teed off before play was halted for the day in mid-afternoon. The round will resume Friday.

A morning thunderstorm postponed the start of the tournament by 2 hours. Play then stopped because of winds that were strong enough to move balls on the slippery greens before players could mark them.

The National Weather Service measured sustained winds of 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph on Thursday morning.

Lee Westwood shot a 4-under 32 on the front nine to take the lead before the horns sounded across the course. Westwood sank 18-foot birdie putts on the first two holes, then added a 45-footer on the par-3 ninth.