March 30 (Reuters) – Britain’s Brian Davis upstaged some of
golf’s biggest names as he charged into a share of the early
second-round lead at the weather-hit Houston Open in Humble,
Texas on Friday.
The 37-year-old Englishman, who has recorded five runner-up
finishes on the PGA Tour without yet winning a title, fired a
flawless seven-under-par 65 at the rain-softened Redstone Golf
Club.
One of 93 players who had to complete the opening round
earlier in the day, Davis birdied two of his last four holes to
finish level on 11-under 133 with South African Louis Oosthuizen
(66).
Defending champion Phil Mickelson, joint leader after the
first round, bogeyed his final hole for a 70 to lie two off the
pace along with fellow Americans Tommy Gainey (67) and JB Holmes
(67) as well as Briton Greg Owen (69).
Three-times major winner Ernie Els, who needs to win the
Houston Open to qualify for next week’s Masters, was at
five-under 139 after shooting a 69.
Davis was delighted with his performance after struggling
for form on the PGA Tour earlier this season.
“It was a good day at the office today,” the Englishman told
reporters, having played 32 holes on Friday after first-round
action was suspended on Thursday when thunderstorms swept across
Redstone.
“I played some good golf and obviously put myself into
position for the weekend.”
More than an inch of rain saturated the course on Thursday
and tournament organisers allowed the players to lift, clean and
replace their balls in the delayed second round.
Continued…
