Shell Houston Open

April 24, 2003
It looks like a return to the old days at the Shell Houston Open when Australians ruled. Long a favorite TOUR stop for the lads down-under, Stuart Appleby fired a opening round 6-under 66 to return to form in Houston that saw him win the 1999 edition of the event.

The effort left him one shot behind leader Fred Couples.

If not Appleby, then Adam Scott's opening round of 4-under 68 could continue a tradition that has spanned generation with five different Aussies winning in Houston.

Bruce Devlin, Bruce Crampton, David Graham and Robert Allenby all have also won the event. And the popular Australians have helped the Shell Houston Open raise $31 million for charities. This tournament is the second ranking event on TOUR in generating charity contributions ($5.2 million U.S. in 2002). The Shell Houston Open is also one of only two events where charities receive more money than the
players' purse.

With Devlin and Crampton, who won the event twice, as well as Appleby and Allenby taking the title in 1999-2000 respectively, it could be time for a new run for the Australians.

The Aussie victories have come on four different courses the Shell Houston Open has called home. This year provides an opportunity to add to the list. The event was relocated from the TPC at the Woodlands to the 7,508 yard Redstone Golf Club.

"The Woodlands was a good test of golf. I think it was one of the most victorious tournaments courses for Australians on TOUR," Appleby said in trying to explain the Aussies success in the event. "I think Australians won a lot of tournaments there over the years for its familarity to Australian conditions."

The Redstone GC layout seemingly would be as friendly. Course designer Peter Jacobsen layed out challenges for players to hit a variety of shots, instead of just bombing a driver followed by a delicate wedge that has become the trademark of many courses on TOUR.

"The thing that's different to a normal American course is that this course bounces and that's not a typical scenario for us on TOUR. Generally, balls land and run 10 yards at the most," said Appleby. "There are no lob shots because the greens are so firm, you can't slip under it as quick. It's much more the chip and run scenario."

Surprisingly, Appleby has not had consistent success in Houston. Take away the victory and he has three missed cuts to show for his efforts.

The question rises that does one victory make up for missing cuts?

"You really should go to everyplace like something is new and fresh," said Appleby. "I guess in a way you can use having played well in Houston as motivation and you can turn yourself around, but you really shouldn't because that means you are susceptible to the way you play. Then, you go into a place you haven't played well and you psyche yourself out."

After a sixth place finish in the Sony Open in his first start of the season, he has struggled to currently rank 79th on the money list. His fortune may have changed, though. Nothing like an opening round of five birdies and an eagle, along with a bogey, to perk his game into shape.

"It's definitely been a drought in the last few months," said the Cohuna, Australia native. "Today, I didn't get out there and put pressure on myself. I like the way I am relaxing and not trying too hard. If you keep busting your balls all the way through the season you are going to spin your wheels all the way."

That would be a painful way to spend a year. For Appleby, the Shell Houston Open is just the place for traction to jumpstart the season.