Englishman Paul Waring leads Houston Open after opening 63

Gary Woodland and Rickie Fowler make early moves at Memorial Park

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Paul Waring, a 41-year-old Englishman playing on a medical extension, fired a bogey-free 7-under 63 to take the first-round lead at the 2026 Houston Open. Gary Woodland, who has been open about his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder following brain surgery, shot 64 and is one shot back. Rickie Fowler, ranked No. 61 in the world, is looking to climb into the top 50 and earn an invitation to the Masters with a strong finish this week.

Why it matters

The Houston Open has historically been an important event for players looking to secure a spot in the Masters, and this year is no different. Waring, Woodland, and Fowler all have compelling storylines as they vie for the title and the opportunities that come with it.

The details

Waring, who spent 2008-2024 on the DP World Tour, has struggled since earning his PGA Tour card, missing 10 cuts and withdrawing in 12 events last season. But he found something in his game this week, making no bogeys and holing over 160 feet of putts. Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, has been open about his battle with PTSD following brain surgery in 2023. He made birdies on three of his final four holes to shoot 64. Fowler, ranked No. 61 in the world, needs a high finish this week to crack the top 50 and earn an invite to the Masters.

  • On Thursday, Paul Waring opened the 2026 Houston Open with a 7-under 63.
  • Gary Woodland shot a 6-under 64, making birdies on three of his final four holes.
  • Rickie Fowler, ranked No. 61 in the world, is looking to climb into the top 50 and earn a Masters invite this week.

The players

Paul Waring

A 41-year-old Englishman playing on a medical extension on the PGA Tour, Waring spent 2008-2024 on the DP World Tour and earned his PGA Tour card with a win at the 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Gary Woodland

The 2019 U.S. Open champion has been open about his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder following brain surgery in 2023.

Rickie Fowler

Ranked No. 61 in the Official World Golf Rankings, Fowler needs a high finish this week to crack the top 50 and earn an invitation to the Masters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To be fair, I found a little bit of momentum coming forward in the last few weeks. I know [I] missed cuts at Valspar [Championship] and Cognizant [Classic], but [I] felt like my golf game was in a good spot. … I gave too many shots away in the first few weeks, where this week, a lot tidier, no bogeys and holed a good amount of footage today. I think I've just been told I holed over 160 feet of putts today, which is massive and gives you a massive advantage.”

— Paul Waring

“The response has been … big, and it's also been big for me because I got a lot of relief. I literally feel like I got a thousand pounds off my back that day. It was hard to do. I was crying going into the interview, and I left feeling a thousand pounds lighter.”

— Gary Woodland

“I had a great run last year, kind of second half of the year, and felt like I was in a good spot with my game. Was able to get some downtime to work on the body and get my shoulder in a better spot, where I wasn't having to play through the pain. So, luckily, had played well through the summer. I had confidence knowing we could go out and kind of play some simple golf. Kind of picked up at AmEx and did a good job there of continuing that.”

— Rickie Fowler

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.