Bob Levey / AP Photo

Phil Mickelson reacts to missing a putt for birdie during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble, Texas.
Bob Levey / AP Photo

Hunter Mahan waits his turn to put on the 10th green during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble, Texas.
Bob Levey / AP Photo

D.A. Points checks his distance during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Humble, Texas.
Houston Chronicle, Brett Coomer / AP Photo

Cameron Tringale putts onto the 18th green during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble, Texas.
Houston Chronicle, Brett Coomer / AP Photo

D.A. Points blasts out of the sand from the fairway bunker on No. 18 during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble, Texas. Points shot an 8-under-par 64 to take the first round lead.
Houston Chronicle, Brett Coomer / AP Photo

Phil Mickelson hits his tee shot on No. 18 during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble, Texas.
Bob Levey / AP Photo

Phil Mickelson reacts after hitting his tee shot on the 12th hole to the other side of the 13th tee box during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Humble, Texas.
Bob Levey / AP Photo

Steve Wheatcroft prepares to putt on the 15th hole during the first round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Humble, Texas.
Jon Eilts / AP Photo

Rory Mcllroy, of Northern Ireland, hits out of a bunker on the 13th hole during the second round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Friday, March 29, 2013 in Humble, Texas.

Wheatcroft leads Houston, McIlroy sticks around

By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer

Published: Thursday, Mar. 28, 2013 - 1:51 pm

Last Modified: Friday, Mar. 29, 2013 - 1:06 pm

HUMBLE, Texas -- A late birdie might just be enough to give Rory McIlroy two more rounds before the Masters.

Steve Wheatcroft, a Monday qualifier for the Houston Open, had another 67 to take the lead among early starters Friday at Redstone Golf Club.

Far down the leaderboard was McIlroy, struggling to make the cut for the first time this year against a full field. He two-putted from 85 feet away on the fringe on the par-5 eighth hole and made par on his final hole for a 2-under 70. That put him at 1-under 143, which appeared to be safe for playing on the weekend.

Wheatcroft was at 10-under 134 and had a three-shot lead. The PGA Tour hasn't had a Monday qualifier win a tournament since Arjun Atwal in August 2010.

• Read more articles by DOUG FERGUSON

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