Masters Momentum: The 2018 Houston Open

Recent form is a sought-after variable and the Masters Momentum series looks back at recent PGA Tour events — like the Houston Open — to see who’s hot heading to Augusta.

At the last stop before Augusta National,144 top golfers looked to gain an added measure of momentum headed into The Masters, but only one —  Ian Poulter — would claim victory. Many saw the tournament as the last chance to secure a spot in the exclusive field the following weekend. With a roller coaster of ups and downs, all weekend tickets were punched, hopes were crushed and the excitement in Houston more than delivered.

In a rain riddled opening round, Ireland’s Paul Dunne took the early lead with a 6-under 64. Familiar names like Rickie Fowler (67), Jordan Spieth (68) and Phil Mickelson (68) kept within striking range. As the course conditions improved at the Golf Club of Houston, the second round opened up the scoring window.

During Friday’s second day of play, the sun was out and putts were rolling in all over the course. Fowler birdied four of his opening six holes to momentarily grab the lead. Fowler would ride into the weekend one stroke behind University of Texas alum Beau Hossler. After an opening round, 65 followed by a 68 on Saturday Hossler was the leader of the pack heading into the weekend at 11-under.

Friday’s leader Dunne, Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar all found themselves within three shots of the lead going into Saturday. After some recent setbacks with the putter, Texas native Spieth finally seemed to find his rhythm once again. As he began to make the turn at the par-3 ninth hole Spieth dialed in and birdied five of his next six holes.

One of the biggest stories coming out of the previous week’s WGC Match Play event was the confusion surround Ian Poulter’s status for The Masters. The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings automatically qualify for The Masters field. At varying points of Match Play, Poulter was notified he was in The Masters but later found out when he was eliminated in the round of 16 that he was then sitting in the 51st spot in the rankings.

Unfortunately for the United Kingdom’s striker, things weren’t looking up in the opening round. While players like Dunne and Hossler went low on Thursday, Poulter shot a 1-over 73. A second round 64 propelled Poulter from 123rd in the field to 23rd. On Saturday, Poulter continued to fan the fire of a Masters bid with a 7-under 65 that gave him a share of the lead with Hossler headed into Sunday.

Fowler was in command before a double bogey bumped him back down the leaderboard. Fowler would fall out of contention with back to back 73s Saturday and Sunday. While his friend stumbled, Spieth stayed in contention along with Stenson and Kuchar holding strong thanks to accuracy off the tee.

The trio of Spieth, Kuchar and Stenson made a push in the end but none were able to truly contend. While each has corrections that need to be made before the Masters, all have a viable opportunity to take home the coveted green jacket. Out on the course, many tried to contend Sunday but the day truly belonged to Hossler and Poulter.

Poulter jumped into the early lead with four birdies on the front nine. After his first bogey in 49 holes, the pace of Poulter slowed albeit slightly. Hossler took advantage with birdies at the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th to take the lead. Both competitors had their chance down the stretch but it was a remarkable birdie putt on the 18th hole by Poulter that would send the tournament into a playoff.

With the Houston Open and a spot at the Masters on the line, Hossler and Poulter took it back to the tee box on 18 to play their playoff hole. Unfortunately, on his second shot in the playoff Hossler was forced to play from the greenside bunker that skipped over the green and into the adjacent lake. With the pressure off his shoulders, Poulter made a routine two-putt for par and to seal the incomparable comeback.

Next: 5 most anticipated match-ups of the 2018 Masters

If there’s ever a case for an indescribable swing of momentum before a major competition, look no further than the play of Poulter. After the confusion at the WGC Match Play and a slow start on Thursday, Poulter now will make his 13th trip to Augusta National.

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