Paul Waring, Where Did That Come From?

Since the start of 2025, Paul Waring has made 21 worldwide starts—he missed the cut or withdrew in 17 of those tournaments. It’s been a slog for the World No. 301 since his win at the 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

But Thursday was a different story.

The 41-year-old from England poured in over 160 feet worth of putts during the opening round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open, fueling a bogey-free 7-under 63. After the morning wave, Waring held a two-shot lead over Sam Burns, Michael Brennan, and Tom Hoge.

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Despite missed cuts at both the Cognizant Classic and Valspar Championship, Waring felt like his game was rounding into form. “I just didn't really—I gave too many shots away in the first few weeks, where this week, a lot tidier, no bogeys and holed a good amount of footage today,” he told the media after signing his card.

Waring battled a shoulder injury last year, a struggle that included painkillers and a cortisone injection. He said that he was competing against the best players in the world “with literally one arm tied behind my back.”

Because of his shoulder, Waring is playing on a medical exemption. After the week at Memorial Park, he’ll have five starts remaining. To his credit, he isn’t panicking about getting his card back. He knows it only takes one special week.

“The way that the points work for FedEx, I found are sort of top-heavy, so it only takes one or two really good weeks to regain a TOUR card, or even give yourself a chance at winning,” he said. “So I kind of know if I just stick in and just give myself an opportunity and maybe take that opportunity, I'll give myself a chance.

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“You can start getting a little bit stressed trying to chase starts and that sort of thing along the way. But I've been doing this a long time now, and I know that patience is everything in this sport. As long as I can take one day at a time, stay in the present, and kind of think about those one golf shots along the way, I think that kind of puts me in good stead.”

It’s hard—I’d say borderline impossible—to replicate the putting performance we saw from Waring on Thursday. Making 160 feet of putts in 18 holes is ridiculous. I’m interested to see how he’ll respond when the putter inevitably cools down.

Regardless, what a story this will be if Waring is able to hang around come the weekend.