As if the news that Tiger Woods will be back at the Masters next week was not encouraging enough for American golf , the sight of a resurgent Phil Mickelson at the Shell Houston Open provided added lustre . The gifted leftie followed his opening 66 with a 67 to sit one shot behind leader Andrew Putnam going into the third round . While Woods electrified the twittersphere with his announcement , his great rival thrilled the massive number of fans on the ground with a display that recalled all his great days . Another to enjoy a good day was Englishman Justin Rose , who provided further encouraging evidence he is now over his bleak March with a 68 that has left him just four shots off the pace and in contention going into the weekend . Phil Mickelson capped his resurgence in form at the Houston Open with rounds of 66 or 67 . Mickelson is one shot behind going into the third round with The Masters a week away . Tiger Woods confirmed his participation at The Masters at Augusta next week . As for Woods , the news he will end his self-imposed exile next week was enthusiastically welcomed here in Texas . Padraig Harrington had only to be told Woods had played a practice round at Augusta National on Friday before pre-empting the official announcement . ‘ If Tiger is fit and healthy there ’ s absolutely no way he will be sitting out the Masters , ’ said Harrington . ‘ It will be great to see him back . Just by being there he will add to the intrigue and the fascination. ’ Woods fuelled speculation he would return when he flew by private jet from Florida to play a practice round last Tuesday . He reportedly shot 74 with the dreaded chipping yips making an unwelcome return with a thinned shot across one green that finished in a bunker . It was those problems that caused him to take a break from the game in the first place . Back in late January he skulled a number of chips in a horrific 82 at the Waste Management Open , his worst score as a pro . Woods said he wouldn ’ t return until he was satisfied he could compete . Justin Rose continued his upturn in form with an encouraging round of 68 . Mickelson has struggled for form this year and carded an 82 at the Waste Management Open . Woods reportedly shot a round of 74 in practice at Augusta on Tuesday and had a return of the chipping yips . There will be considerable scepticism he can compete next week given it ’ s over a year now since he turned in a decent tournament . Woods missed the Masters last year owing to back surgery . As for Harrington , his welcome revival continued after a second round 69 that took him to five under but Lee Westwood ’ s tournament is over . Two rounds of 71 were not good enough for the English veteran to make it through to the weekend .
MickelsonPhil Mickelson holds a one shot lead going into day three of Houston Open . Phil Mickelson has struggled for form , carding an 82 earlier in the season . Tiger Woods confirmed his participation at The Masters on Friday .