The PGA Tour heads to Texas this week for the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open, with world number one Scottie Scheffler headlining a strong field at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. The tournament runs March 26–29 and features a compelling mix of elite talent and hungry contenders looking to make their mark ahead of the Masters.
Scheffler Returns to Houston
Scottie Scheffler’s presence alone elevates any tournament field, and his commitment to the Houston Open underscores the event’s importance on the pre-Masters calendar. Memorial Park is located just over 150 miles from Augusta, and many players use the Houston Open as their final competitive tune-up before the year’s first major championship.
Scheffler enters the week in typically dominant form, having been the most consistent player on Tour throughout the 2026 season. For the Texan, playing in his home state adds an extra layer of motivation, and the Houston galleries will undoubtedly provide a warm reception for the world’s top-ranked golfer.
The Field and Key Contenders
Beyond Scheffler, the field includes defending champion Min Woo Lee, who arrives as this week’s betting favorite at +1400 odds. The Australian put on a clinic at Memorial Park last year and will be eager to become just the latest player to successfully defend at the Houston Open.
Other notable names in the field include Chris Gotterup, who enters at 18-to-1 odds, and Ben Griffin, both of whom have been in strong recent form. The depth of the field reflects the Houston Open’s status as a highly attractive stop on the Tour calendar, particularly given its proximity to the Masters.
Memorial Park: A Modern Municipal Marvel
Memorial Park Golf Course underwent a significant renovation designed by Tom Doak that transformed it from a solid municipal course into a genuine Tour-caliber test. The layout rewards precise ball-striking and smart course management, with strategic bunkering, well-defended green complexes, and enough length to challenge the longest hitters in the game.
The course’s municipal roots add a unique character to the event. Unlike many PGA Tour venues, Memorial Park is a public course that Houston residents can play year-round, creating a special connection between the local community and the tournament that uses their course as its stage.
The Masters Warm-Up Factor
For many players in the field, the Houston Open serves a dual purpose: competing for the title and prize money while also sharpening their games for Augusta. The Bermuda grass at Memorial Park doesn’t directly replicate Augusta’s conditions, but the competitive intensity and the pressure of contending on a Sunday afternoon provide invaluable preparation for what lies ahead.
Last year’s edition proved that the Houston Open can deliver compelling drama in its own right. With Scheffler in the field and a cast of talented contenders ready to challenge, the 2026 edition has all the ingredients for another memorable week of golf at Memorial Park.
