Scott, Wagner hot in Houston

HUMBLE, Texas -- Defending Houston Open champion Adam Scott took advantage of placid early conditions to shoot a course-record nine-under-par 63 on Thursday, his third straight spectacular round at the Tournament Course at Redstone.

Johnson Wagner matched Scott’s 63 late in the day. The Texas native also shared the first-round lead last year and shared the previous record (64) with Bubba Watson.

Scott, suffering with a fever and swollen glands around his throat, hit 17 greens in regulation and needed only 28 putts. He is 22 under in his last 54 holes at Redstone.

Charley Hoffman was two behind the leaders after a 65 and Steve Stricker was three back. Phil Mickelson, using Houston as a tuneup for next week’s Masters, shot a 72 in the windy afternoon.