The Texas Children’s Houston Open tees off this week at Memorial Park Golf Course, and while the tournament is a significant event in its own right, the real story is what it represents: the final dress rehearsal before the Masters. With Augusta National looming just two weeks away, every swing this week in Houston carries the weight of major championship preparation.
The 135-player field features several of the game’s biggest names, making this one of the strongest Houston Open lineups in recent memory and one of the most compelling non-Signature Events on the 2026 PGA Tour schedule.
The Big Names
Chris Gotterup headlines the field as one of the hottest players on tour right now. Ranked seventh in the world and coming off a stretch of strong finishes, the 26-year-old has the kind of all-around game that thrives on Memorial Park’s demanding layout. His length off the tee gives him an advantage on the course’s longer par 4s, while his improving short game has turned him from a promising talent into a genuine contender week in, week out.
Brooks Koepka’s presence adds star power and an intriguing storyline — he helped Tom Doak with the design of Memorial Park’s renovation, so he knows every contour of the course intimately. Whether that insider knowledge translates into a competitive advantage remains to be seen, but Koepka in Houston always generates attention.
Sungjae Im will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing final round at the Valspar Championship, where he held a share of the lead heading into Sunday before fading. Im’s ball-striking has been superb this season, and a course that rewards accuracy as much as length should suit his style.
Other notable entries include Will Zalatoris, who continues to work his way back to full fitness and form, Rickie Fowler, Si Woo Kim, Ben Griffin, and defending champion Min Woo Lee.
Scheffler’s Absence
The most notable absentee is Scottie Scheffler, who withdrew from the tournament citing family reasons. Scheffler’s absence removes the world’s top-ranked player from the field and deprives Houston fans of watching the reigning Masters champion prepare on what would have been his final competitive round before Augusta.
Scheffler’s withdrawal also opens the door for other players to make a statement heading into April. In a sport where confidence is everything, a strong performance or outright victory in Houston can provide the psychological edge that carries a player to contention the following week at Augusta National.
Memorial Park: The Course
Memorial Park Golf Course is a municipal layout in the heart of Houston that was extensively renovated by Tom Doak in 2019 and has since become one of the best public courses in Texas. The course measures over 7,400 yards and features tight fairways lined by mature trees, well-protected greens, and a layout that demands both distance and precision.
The Houston spring weather adds another variable — wind, humidity, and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms can transform the course’s character from day to day. Players who manage their ball flight well in wind and maintain patience through weather interruptions tend to fare best here.
Masters Implications
Historically, the Houston Open has served as a launching pad for Masters success. The tournament’s position on the calendar means players arrive in competitive mode, with their games sharp and their confidence either high or in need of a boost. The course’s emphasis on shot-making and green-reading provides useful preparation for the demands of Augusta National, even though the two courses are quite different in character.
For players on the bubble — those needing a strong result to secure their Masters invitation or build momentum — this week is essentially a must-perform event. The pressure of Houston, combined with the anticipation of the first major championship, creates an atmosphere that’s more intense than the tournament’s non-Signature status might suggest.
Coverage begins Thursday, March 26, with the final round scheduled for Sunday, March 29. All eyes will be on who emerges from Houston with the form and confidence to challenge at Augusta.
