Ernie Els suffered a muddy end at Bay Hill
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Click here to bet on the Shell Houston Open at bet365
Some see this week as a little like the calm before the storm, with many big names keeping their powder dry ahead of The Masters, but the Shell Houston Open has a hugely intriguing look to it with world No. 3 Lee Westwood in the field.
Westwood elected to swerve the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but will put the finishing touches to his Masters preparations on the course at Redstone Golf Club. With Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Charl Schwartzel in the field - it is arguably a better quality renewal than the Arnold Palmer.
The event has been won by some notable players down the years, Mickelson is the defending champion, but it's not exactly the precursor to victory at Augusta the following week. Despite the likes of Mickelson, Fred Couples, David Duval, Vijay Singh and Curtis Strange tasting victory, you have to go back to 1978 for the winner of the event following up at The Masters and that was none other than Gary Player.
Betting Bullets
- Ernie Els E/W - 28/1 at bet365
Westwood heads the betting with bet365 at 10/1, but he's not one to be wading in on at those odds. He used Houston as his warm-up for Augusta last year and was never sighted in finishing 30th.
Mickelson will jump off the page to many, having shown a liking for Redstone with victory last year. He comes into the event with a similar profile to 12 months ago given that he is not in great form. Such is the left hander's talent he can spring to life at any stage. That inconsistency is a nightmare for punters as he is as likely to win as bomb out.
The event always has an interesting subplot, as the carrot that is dangled before those outside the world's top 50 is a place in the Masters field with victory.
The focus in recent weeks has been on Ernie Els' bid to secure a place in The Masters. The South African, a winner of three majors, had a fine chance at Bay Hill last week. He needed to finish third to qualify and when stood on the 17th tee, he was on course. But he misjudged a tee shot which sploshed into the bank of the lake. He attempted to hack out, but ended up with a face full of mud and his chance disappeared.
It was a disappointing end, but Els has spoken of his determination to secure his place at Augusta - he has not missed the opening major of the year since 1993 - and he looked in good form at Bay Hill. One thing is certain: he will not be going through the motions and as such the 28/1 on offer is likely to give us a run for our money deep into the weekend.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
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Alex Livie
Alex Livie was editor of ESPN.co.uk
