Paul Waring Leads Houston Open by One Shot Over Woodland

Englishman overcomes shoulder injury to fire 7-under 63 in first round

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:19am

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Paul Waring, an Englishman who has been battling a shoulder injury, fired a 7-under 63 to take a one-shot lead over Gary Woodland after the first round of the Texas Children's Houston Open. Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, is also looking to get his game back on track after undergoing brain surgery in 2023 and opening up about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Why it matters

This tournament represents an important opportunity for both Waring and Woodland to regain their form and momentum on the PGA Tour. Waring is looking to build on his win in Abu Dhabi in 2024, while Woodland is aiming to bounce back from his health issues and recapture the success that led to his U.S. Open triumph. A strong showing here could set the stage for both players to qualify for the Masters and contend at golf's first major of the year.

The details

Waring made a great escape for par on the 17th hole after hitting his tee shot into the water, and he also saved par on the 8th hole after his second shot went left into the hazard area. Despite those challenges, he was able to card a bogey-free round. Woodland's round was also mostly clean, with the exception of a bogey on the 7th hole when he found a deep bunker. But he bounced back with birdies on two of his final three holes.

  • The Texas Children's Houston Open is being played on March 26, 2026.
  • Waring beat a strong field in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024 to earn his PGA Tour card.

The players

Paul Waring

A 42-year-old English golfer who is looking to regain his form on the PGA Tour after battling a shoulder injury that sidelined him for five months in 2025.

Gary Woodland

The 2019 U.S. Open champion who underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a lesion and has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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What they’re saying

“I was crying going into the interview, and I left feeling a thousand pounds lighter.”

— Gary Woodland

“This week, a lot tidier. No bogeys and ... I've just been told I holed over 160 foot of putts today, which is massive and gives you a massive advantage.”

— Paul Waring, Golfer

What’s next

Waring and Woodland will look to continue their strong play in the remaining three rounds of the tournament, with the goal of earning a spot in the Masters field by finishing in the top 50 of the world rankings or winning the event outright.

The takeaway

This tournament represents an important opportunity for both Waring and Woodland to regain their footing on the PGA Tour and potentially earn a spot in the prestigious Masters tournament. Their perseverance and resilience in the face of significant challenges serve as an inspiration to golfers and sports fans alike.