Westwood one shot off lead in Texas

The Englishman, chasing his first win in the United States since his maiden PGA Tour victory at Freeport-McDermott Classic in New Orleans in 1998, had seven birdies and three bogeys at Redstone Golf Club in Humble for a four-under-par round to reach seven under for the tournament at the halfway stage. That put Westwood in a tie in the clubhouse with Americans Anthony Kim and Joe Ogilvie, one behind first-round co-leader Cameron Percy of Australia, who shot a 69, while American Alex Prugh was also at eight under following a seven-under 66.

As the afternoon wave of starters began their second rounds, Worksop golfer Westwood said he was happy with his score, if not his performance.

"It was a bit breezier than I thought it was going to be this morning," he said. "The wind got up a little earlier, and at times out there I was a bit undisciplined.

"I went for a couple of flags I shouldn't have gone for. I played over-confident, tried to play a couple of secret shots. I should have just aimed 30 feet left or right of the hole. All in all it was pretty good. I could have made two hole-in-ones in the last three holes. On seven, to about 18 inches, must have lipped out, and nine, grazed the hole as well. It was a solid-ish day. Probably 13 greens in there in regulation. When I did hit greens, I hit it close. And I'm pleased with the position I'm in for the weekend."

American Ryder Cup star Kim shot a 69 while Ogilvie had a 67. Overnight co-leader Kevin Stadler, also of the US, was seven under after six holes while Ireland's Padraig Harrington had advanced to six under after five holes with birdies at his first, third and fourth holes starting from the tenth tee.

Scotland's Martin Laird reached halfway in the tournament at four-under par following his second 70 of the week.