the week before the show

It's a measure of how big next week is, that apparently Redstone Golf Club, home of this weeks Houston Open is famous for being "like Augusta". That's nice.

Sadly, even though there's a million bucks on offer, I can't help but feel that many of the field will use these 72 holes as putting practice. Not including Tiger of course who's not here. But then he hardly needs putting practice, does he.

The experts are tipping Mickelson, Ogilvy, Sergio...and Stricker. At least two pundits have picked Alviro Quiros as he smashes it long distances. Course form throws up Chad Campbell, who has been talking about looking forward to Houston and knows the course like the back of his hand plus Vijay Singh who has won this twice since it came here. Then there's Johnson Wagner, last year's winner who was overheard telling friends that his game is "coming back". He would say that.

Small stakes best for us this week in a congested field, with a real bet to come after 36. A few bob to win on Vijay, a few more on Wagner and my usual saver on the Wimeister. Come on Charlie! Welcome to all my twitter friends. growing every day...