This week's event gives players that are not currently heading to The Masters next week, one last shot at victory to punch their tickets to Augusta National.
The winner of the Shell Houston Open winner, if not previously eligible, will receive the final invitation to play in the Masters Tournament, next week at Augusta National.
The PGA Tour victory criteria for an invitation to the Masters, started in 1972, and ran until 1999. It was then re-instated in 2008, for events awarding 500 FedExCup points to their champions.
No name bigger than Ernie Els, needing that victory this week to secure his spot at The Masters.
Major champions headline the field this week in Houston. With three of the four current major champions in the field this week. Charl Schwartzel (Maters), Darren Clarke (Open Championship) and Keegan Bradley (PGA Champion).
These three major championship winners, are also joined by three-time Masters Champion and PGA Champion Phil Mickelson. Who is also the defending champion this week. 2009 Masters Champion, Angel Cabrera and 1992 Masters Champion and recent Champions Tour winner, Fred Couples.
Couples, also has the longest active cuts made streak here in Houston, with 18 consecutive cuts made at the Shell Houston Open. Including his victory here in 2003.
Joining these total of 10 major championship winners this week will also be, the FedEx Cup point leading Johnson Wagner. Who's tied for the most top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour so far in 2012, with four.
Lee Westwood, the No. 3 ranked player in the Official World Golf Rankings, and the No. 5 ranked player, Steve Stricker, will also be teeing it up this weekend in Houston.
Defending champion Mickelson, is the only player to win the week before (2006 Bellsouth Classic) heading to Augusta. That went on to capture the green jacket the following week at The Masters.
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