Rickie Fowler off to flyer at Shell Houston Open

World number nine Rickie Fowler warmed up for next week’s Masters by setting an imposing early clubhouse target at the Shell Houston Open.

Fowler, who opted to miss last week’s WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, carded eight birdies in a flawless opening 64 at the Golf Club of Houston to enjoy a three-shot lead over fellow Americans Keegan Bradley and Vaughn Taylor.

The 28-year-old finished in the top five in all four majors in 2014, but is yet to win one of golf’s majors and missed the cut at Augusta National last year after rounds of 80 and 73.