RICKIE FOWLER MADE a fine and flawless start at the Houston Open after carding an eight-under-par 64.
The 28-year-old American did not drop a shot throughout Thursday’s opening round as he earned a one-stroke lead in Texas.
The four-time PGA Tour winner – who heads to the Masters next week seeking his first Major - teed off on the back nine and opened with a birdie.
Fowler then birdied three consecutive holes, starting from the 12th, before gaining shots at the 16th, third, fourth and ninth following the turn after sitting out the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play last week.
“The reason last week that I wanted to be off, get some down-time rest and spend time with friends,” Fowler said.
“I just don’t play four in a row, and Bay Hill is a place that I like to play. Unfortunately, I had to miss it last year, but I wasn’t going to miss it this year.”
Sung Kang is Fowler’s nearest rival at seven-under heading into Friday’s second round at the Golf Club of Houston.
Stewart Cink, Jhonattan Vegas and Kyle Stanley are a further shot back.
Justin Rose is among seven players in a share of sixth position at five-under, while former world number one Adam Scott is a stroke behind.
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