News

Tournament Preview: The 2013 Shell Houston Open

Published

13 years ago

March 27, 2013

The Shell Houston Open, which is normally played right before the Masters, is being played this week instead, as the Valero Texas Open has an agreement with the PGA TOUR to play its tournament next week. This week, Redstone’s challenging layout will mimic the setup for Augusta National, which plays host to the TOUR’s first major, the Masters (April 11).

The Augusta like feel is most present on and around the greens at Redstone. Difficult putting surfaces average 6,700 square feet and could exceed 13 on the Stimpmeter (which is a device used to measure the speed of a putting green). Chipping areas also present unique challenges around many of the tough greens.

The par-3 16th hole has been shortened by 16 yards on the scorecard is plays now as a 188-yard hole with a new player bridge from tee to green. Coincidentally, Redstone’s total yardage measures at 7,441, just six more yards longer than Augusta National. Scoring at Redstone averaged 71.45 last year, which, believe it or not, was the lowest in its history.

Over the last four years, Redstone has ranked as the most difficult track on TOUR in scrambling from the rough. Additionally, the four par 5s — holes 4, 8, 13 and 15 – collectively serve as one of the more difficult sets of three-shot holes on the TOUR schedule.

Photo courtesy of Shell Houston Open Official Facebook Page

Rory McIlroy will be in the field this week eager to finish well in preparation for the world stage at Augusta in 2 weeks where he will reunite with the man who surpassed him in World Rankings last week. McIlroy had a better outing at Doral where he finished T10, a place he hasn’t been since last season.

Breezy conditions are expected throughout the week with a threat of rain on the weekend. Temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 70s.

Want to hear more about our predictions for the 2013 Shell Houston Open? Check out our Fantasy Golf Predictions page for all the odds, insights, and potential results for this week’s Texas showdown.