Kim beats Taylor in Houston playoff
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2010 Shell Houston Open | Round Four | 05 Apr 2010
Anthony Kim entered calculations for the Masters next week with an impressive win at the Shell Houston Open. While the winner of the tournament has yet to go on and win at Augusta – when played in the week prior – there is little doubt Kim’s good early form in 2010 continues to build momentum.
He is arguably in better form than was the case when he finished 20th on debut in 2009 during which he produced a Masters record 11 birdies in his second round of 65.
In winning at the first hole of a playoff over Vaughn Taylor, Kim denied Taylor the chance to play Augusta for the 4th time as the winner in Houston, not otherwise qualified, would have earned the last place in the field at Augusta National.
Kim appeared to take control of the tournament with nine holes to play but an indifferent back nine and a strong finish by Taylor almost resulted in an upset.
Charl Schwartzel continued his rapid rise in world ranking with a last round of 67 to share third with Canadian rookie Graham Delaet. Delaet earned his PGA Tour card by finishing 8th at the PGA Tour School late last season and given his lack of experience at this level he was impressive in the manner in which he finished off his tournament this week.
Schwartzel followed up his recent runner up finish at the WGC CA event in Miami and completed a third top ten in four PGA Tour starts this season. He plays his first Masters next week and it would be no surprise if he was to have a very good week there. Many Americans were underrating him a few weeks ago but now they are beginning to realise that he is the real deal.
Former PGA Champion Shaun Micheel will be delighted with his return to form. Having lost status on the PGA Tour, Micheel took advantage of this start by producing a final round of 65 to finish alone in 5th position. It was the 2003 PGA Champion’s first PGA Tour top ten since September of 2007.
Adam Scott gave his fans some cause for hope next week with a solid 14th place finish to lead the Australians. Cameron Percy finished 35th after a great start to the week, David Lutterus 40th, Stuart Appleby 44th and Aaron Baddeley 50th.
