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By Ron Vinson
Special to PGATOUR.com

Golf is a global game.

It's evident at this week's Shell Houston Open, which has its largest international player field in its 61-year history.

One out of every four golfers teeing off Thursday was born outside the U.S. There are 36 golfers representing 17 foreign countries in the Shell Houston Open, which has a long tradition of international winners. There have been seven Shell Houston Open winners from Australia, including defending champion Stuart Appleby. On the PGA TOUR and the four golf majors, only the British Open has more Aussie winners with nine champions.

"This year's Shell Houston Open will offer a great international showcase for those attending or viewing the tournament on television. As a global company, we are delighted to have such a large contingent of golfers from throughout the world, especially since we have operations in each of these 17 countries," said Kevin Ilges, Director, U. S. Social Responsibility and Business Support, Shell Oil Company.

Among the other international players are 2005 U. S. Open winner Michael Campbell (New Zealand), two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), THE PLAYERS and PGA Champion Steve Elkington (Australia), THE PLAYERS Champion Adam Scott (Australia), 13-tournament winner Padraig Harrington (Ireland) and Ryder Cup member and Scottish Open champ Thomas Levet (France).