WGT GOLF UPDATE: Hunter Mahan Wins By 1 Stroke in 2012 Shell Houston Open

wgtmustang — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:04:00 GMT

At the 2012 Shell Houston Open, Hunter Mahan held on to a one-stroke lead over Carl Pettersson during the final four holes and shot a 1-under 71 for the win on Sunday. With this victory, Mahan took over the top spot in the latest FedExCup standings and became the first two-time champion on TOUR in 2012. Additionally, he moved to No. 4 in the world rankings, the first time he's ever been the highest-ranked American.

Pettersson needed a victory to secure a spot at the 2012 Masters Tournament this coming weekend at Augusta National Golf Club, but unfortunately couldn't gain a stroke down the final stretch. He missed a birdie putt from 20 feet away on 18 that could have forced a playoff, and instead made par to finish at 1-under for the day and 15-under for the tournament.

Louis Oosthuizen began the day two strokes ahead of the field, but struggled on the front nine. He shot 6-over through 10 holes before hitting three birdies over the final stretch to save face at 3-over on the day and 14-under for the tournament. Four players took fourth place at 12-under, including Phil Mickelson.

Three-time major champion Ernie Els finished 10-under and fell short in his bid to earn an automatic invitation to this week's Masters tournament. Els needed a victory to avoid missing Augusta for the first time since 1993; however, the Masters could offer a special invitation to Els. Els has played well this year, earning top-five finishes at the Transitions Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational.

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WGT GOLF UPDATE: Hunter Mahan Wins By 1 Stroke in 2012 Shell Houston Open