Anthony Kim is making me feel a little better about my ability to make tournament predictions every week. Kim is one-stroke off the lead after shooting a 64 (one stroke off the course record) in the second round and finished up tied for second with Johnson Wagner at -8. There’s still a lot of tournament to play, but with Kim struggling to put the pieces of his game back together with a nagging thumb injury that kept him out most of 2010, it was risky to think he could pull it together quick enough to defend his Shell Houston Open title.

Kim had only 22 putts in his bogey-free round in which he made eight birdies. So far so good for Kim, and my prediction. Chris Kirk currently leads the tournament at -9. Kirk shot 66 in the first round and 69 Friday.

Even though I picked Kim to hold up the trophy, I’d happily be wrong if Steve Elkington can continue his solid play and win the tournament. He’s always had a beautifully flawless wing, but has struggled with consistency and on the green. Elkington is the best interview in the golf world and runs one of the most innovative golf websites at www.secretinthedirt.com. Check it out, and while you’re at it, check out some of his interviews on the Jim Rome Show - here - and you’ll understand why I’m always pulling for the guy.

The rest of the Top 15:

T4 - Josh Teater, Padraig Harrington, Jimmy Walker, -7

T7 - Tim Petrovic, Aaron Baddely, Scott Verplank, John Rollins, Ben Crane, -6

T12 - Bill Lunde, Steve Elkington, Michael Putnam, Ben Martin -5

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