The Starter: Round 2, Shell Houston Open

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Apr. 2, 2010

The second round of the Shell Houston Open is set to begin. Here's a look at Friday's round:

Groups We're Watching

Tee time	Players
9 a.m. ET, No. 10		Ernie Els, Anthony Kim, Pat Perez Kim nearly played his way into the 18-hole lead, while Els' bid for three straight wins is still alive.
1:20 p.m. ET, No. 10		James Driscoll, Kevin Stadler, Vaughn Taylor Something got into this group Thursday. They shot a combined 13 under and are all tied for third or better.
1:50 p.m. ET, No. 1		Steve Wheatcroft, Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott Mickelson and Scott shot matching 69s, are tied for seventh and could both use a strong week heading into Augusta.

MORE ROUND 2: Tee times | Inside the field | Inside the course

EXPERT PREVIEW: PGA TOUR NETWORK on-site correspondent Bob Stevens previews Friday's second round:

At most PGA TOUR events, especially those that are as affected by the winds of change like the Shell Houston Open, a few players go very low early Thursday and then are brought back to the pack when they play in the breezier afternoon wave on Friday. This year at Redstone, nobody ran off in the opening round, so watch out early Friday to see if an Anthony Kim, a Lee Westwood, a Justin Leonard or a Cameron Percy, who are very much in the hunt from the late wave Thursday, goes low and sets the pace for the weekend if the winds are down in the morning.

Friday's forecast

Thunderstorms
Temp: 76 high/65 low
Isolated thunderstorms and 15 mph winds.

Westwood and Leonard got to the same opening-round number, 69, but had somewhat different attitudes headed into Friday's second round. Westwood only made three birdies but was rarely in any trouble and didn't make a single bogey. He seemed a bit ho-hum when I talked to him afterward while Justin Leonard was juiced by his very different 69 -- with seven birdies, two bogeys and a double. Leonard felt like he had just a couple of bad swings and feels that a fix he made with his putter is finally taking hold.

Expect the pressure to rachet up a notch today for those still dreaming of punching that last ticket to the Masters with a win here. More than two-thirds of those within three of the lead beginning the day are NOT headed to Augusta unless they win. I detected a calm from all the players I saw on Thursday who are already in the Masters field, and a noticeable edge from those who aren't -- yet.

INSTRUCTOR'S CORNER: Steve Hanlon, head instructor at TPC San Antonio, analyzes the playing conditions this week at Redstone:

With Round 1 of the Shell Houston open under our belts looks like we have quite a leaderboard. Within two shots of the lead we have three major winners. It looks like we are shaping up for a good weekend. If the wind gets blowing in Houston like it is blowing in San Antonio, look out. It could be anyone's ball game. Oh and by the way, how good was my call in watching Paul Casey this week? Too bad he had to withdraw as defending champion; however he does not seem too worried about it and will be repeating for the years first major next week at Augusta National.

Looking into the leaderboard I have noticed that the guys at the top are leading in putting stats as well. One of the many things we at the TOUR Academy like to talk about in putting is cadence. With the best putters in the world, it always appears that no matter the length of putt, the stroke never seems fast or rushed. I recommend getting out to your practice green and working with a metronome or any device that will begin to give you a nice rhythmical beep or tone. You hear the first tone and the putter starts away, second tone you have moved into the forward swing transition, and the third tone you should be finishing your stroke. Only then should you be starting to move your head and eyes to track the ball and ensure you have hit your line.

Putting practice is probably for most of us one of the hardest things to do, but getting out once or twice a week and working on good cadence may just put you on top of your own leaderboard.

The Film Room

	PGA TOUR Today Two Players topping the leaderboard, Kevin Stadler and Cameron Percy, are looking for their first win on the PGA TOUR at the 2010 Shell Houston Open. Casey Black previews what to expect for round 2. Watch it
	Round 1 highlights Australia's Cameron Percy birdies the 17th hole and finishes tied with Kevin Stadler at the top of the leaderboard during opening-round coverage of the 2010 Shell Houston Open. Watch it
	Shot of the Day: McLardy Andrew McLardy's tee shot lands into a garbage bag positioned left of the cart path during first-round coverage of the 2010 Shell Houston Open. Watch it