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Golf27 Mar 20262 min read

Paul Waring Leads Houston Open as Woodland, Fowler Chase

Paul Waring fired a bogey-free 63 to lead the Houston Open, while Gary Woodland sits one back and Rickie Fowler battles for a Masters berth. The Englishman's putting prowess shone through as Woodland continued his emotional comeback journey.

Source: wayfinder-platform.cbssports.com
Paul Waring Leads Houston Open as Woodland, Fowler Chase
Image via wayfinder-platform.cbssports.com

Key Takeaways

  • 1."I know [I] missed cuts at Valspar [Championship] and Cognizant [Classic], but [I] felt like my golf game was in a good spot." The 41-year-old's putting proved the difference maker, as he drained over 160 feet of putts during his opening round.
  • 2."To be fair, I found a little bit of momentum coming forward in the last few weeks," Waring said.
  • 3."The response has been … big, and it's also been big for me because I got a lot of relief," Woodland shared.

An unexpected name surged to the top of the Houston Open leaderboard as Paul Waring carded a flawless 7-under 63 at Memorial Park Golf Course on Thursday. The Englishman, competing on a medical extension after a turbulent PGA Tour rookie season, finally found his form when it mattered most.

"To be fair, I found a little bit of momentum coming forward in the last few weeks," Waring said. "I know [I] missed cuts at Valspar [Championship] and Cognizant [Classic], but [I] felt like my golf game was in a good spot." The 41-year-old's putting proved the difference maker, as he drained over 160 feet of putts during his opening round.

One stroke behind lurks 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland, whose 64 included a strong finish with three birdies in his final four holes. Woodland's performance continues his inspiring comeback following his courageous revelation about battling PTSD after brain surgery in 2023.

"The response has been … big, and it's also been big for me because I got a lot of relief," Woodland shared. "I literally feel like I got a thousand pounds off my back that day." The Kansas native emphasized the support he's received from the golf community during his mental health journey.

Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler finds himself in a different kind of pressure at 3-under par. The fan favorite needs to climb into the world's top 50 to secure his Masters invitation, currently sitting at 61st in the rankings. "I had a great run last year, kind of second half of the year, and felt like I was in a good spot with my game," Fowler said about his recent form.

Joining Fowler at 3-under is Sahith Theegala, while Texas product Pierceson Coody posted an even-par 70 in his quest to maintain his position inside the top 50. Waring's surprising lead comes after years of European Tour success, including his breakthrough win at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship that earned him PGA Tour status.

As the tournament progresses, storylines abound - from Waring's potential Cinderella story to Woodland's emotional comeback and Fowler's Masters quest. With three rounds remaining at Memorial Park, the Houston Open promises compelling drama both on the leaderboard and in the personal journeys of its contenders.