Despite a date change which moves the Shell Houston Open two weeks before the Masters instead of the week prior, one of the tournament’s biggest draws will continue to compete.
Phil Mickelson told Houston-based KRIV-TV the date will not deter him from playing at Redstone CC.
‘I’m certainly planning on it, yes. I don’t know why I wouldn’t. I’ve played well here now the last couple of years, and again I think that it’s a great way to prepare for the Masters because of what the setup is,’ said Mickelson, the 2011 winner of the event.
‘Now listen, the fact there there’s no rough really, it’s first cut much like Augusta, anytime I see that sign me up.’
Mickelson won his third Masters title in 2010 after finishing T-35 in Houston.
The four-time major winner is uncertain if the ’13 Masters precursor, the Valero Texas Open, will attract the same field Houston has.
‘I think next year it’s actually tougher for the players, because the course now in San Antonio is so different than Augusta, that I don’t know if guys will still go there,’ he said. ‘I think they’ll still come to Houston, because of the way the course is set up.’
