Golf - Houston Open update:Nick O'Hern made easy work of the often blustery conditions to grab the early clubhouse lead at the €4.1 million Shell Houston Open in Texas where Pádraig Harrington was also making all the right noises in the final event before next week's US Masters.

Australian O'Hern carded a flawless seven under par 65 at Redstone Golf Club to lead by two from the chasing pack; Americans Steve Stricker, John Rollins and Brendan Steele plus compatriot Nathan Green.

Harrington, sporting a new beard, made the ideal start with birdies at the first and the third. Five straight pars followed before be bombed a 50 foot birdie putt at the par three ninth to turn in three under and be just four off the pace with nine holes to play.