Andrew Putnam Shines in Houston; Mickelson & Cook One Back


Andrew Putnam fired a 7-under 65 to take the halfway lead in the Shell Houston Open. The $6.6 million PGA Tour event got underway Thursday at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas.

Starting his round on the 10th tee among the afternoon groups, Putnam, a 26-year-old from Tacoma, posted one birdie on his front nine. But on his home half the younger brother of fellow Tour pro Michael Putnam ran off six birdies in his final seven holes to reach 12-under, a stroke ahead of Phil Mickelson and Austin Cook.

Mickelson followed up his opening 6-under 66 with a 67. The 2011 Houston Open champion carded seven birdies and two bogeys.

Cook is a 24-year-old rookie from Arkansas whose only other Tour start came in last June's FedEx St. Jude Classic, where he finished tied for 13th. On Friday Cook posted eight birdies and a bogey for a 65.

Tied for fourth at 10-under 134 are Canada's Graham DeLaet (67) and Luke Guthrie (68).

Sharing sixth another stroke back are Texans Shawn Stefani (69) and Jordan Spieth (66), Kentucky's J.B. Holmes (70), California's Hunter Mahan (68), Wisconsinite Mark Wilson (66) and France's Victor Dubuisson (68).

Tied for 12th at 136 are Keegan Bradley (66), Chris Stroud (68), Alex Prugh (69), Michael Putnam (68), Jonas Blixt (68) and Charles Howell III (70).

Bradley told PGATour.com he has been pleased with his ball flight and work around the greens in the final tune-up before next week's Masters. "My chipping and short game is so much better than it ever has been going (to Augusta), and also I'm hitting the ball so much stronger right now," the 28-year-old Vermont native and 2011 PGA champion said.

"I'm hitting the ball higher, little more spin. I'm able to work the ball better right to left. I'm really excited."

After tying the course-record of 9-under 63 Thursday, first-round leader Scott Piercy stumbled to a 74 to drop into a tie for 18th at 7-under 137 with nine others.

The 36-hole cut was set at 4-under 140. Among those heading home are defending champion Shell Houston Open champion Matt Jones of Australia and major winners Louis Oosthuizen, Justin Leonard, David Toms, Angel Cabrera, Martin Kaymer and Darren Clarke.

Robert Garrigus withdrew after finishing the front nine Friday, while Scott Verplank pulled out after shooting an 80.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.