It’s not the Masters, but it’s a nice appetizer. The Shell Houston Open gets underway this week, and the course will be set up to mimic Augusta National as closely as possible as it always is. The field is strong -- Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth -- and the golf will be good as some of the best in the world tune up their games for next week’s big boy event.
This tournament usually generates a little buzz, too. In seven of the last eight editions of the Houston Open, the final margin has either been one stroke or gone to a playoff. So we should be in for another gem.
Here’s a look at the schedule of events so you can watch all the action.
All times Eastern; streaming start times approximated
Rounds 1-2 -- Thursday and Friday
Round starts: 8:20 a.m.
Featured groups: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- PGA Tour Live
Featured holes: 4-7 p.m. -- PGA Tour Live
Live TV coverage: 4-7 p.m. on Golf Channel
Live simulcast: 4-7 p.m. on NBC Sports Live Extra
Round 3-4 -- Saturday and Sunday
Round starts: 8:30 a.m.
Early TV coverage: 1-3 p.m. on Golf Channel
Live TV coverage: 3-6 p.m. on NBC
Live simulcast: 1-6 p.m. on NBC Sports Live Extra