Houston has a problem as Hoey shines in Portugal

SEVERE winds spoiled Pádraig Harrington’s early round efforts on day one of the Shell Houston Open in Texas last night.

Harrington had raced to two under par early in his round but then dropped two shots in quick succession on the Redstone Golf Club course before the wind forced officials to halt play near lunch.

Despite warm and sunny conditions the forecast was for the winds not to abate, so officials had little option but to call players together at 3pm to advise there would be no further play.