The 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open tees off this week at Memorial Park Golf Course, and the field is loaded with star power. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the charge in what is expected to be his final competitive start before the Masters, joined by 11 OWGR top-40 players in one of the strongest non-Signature Event fields of the season.
Scheffler Seeks Form in His Home State
All eyes will be on Scheffler as the Texan returns to his home state looking to rediscover his best form ahead of Augusta. While Scheffler has maintained his World No. 1 ranking, his performances in 2026 have not quite reached the dominant heights that defined his 2024 season. The Houston Open represents an ideal opportunity to sharpen his game on a demanding course that rewards the kind of precise ball-striking that Scheffler is known for.
Memorial Park Golf Course, which underwent an extensive renovation by architect Tom Doak, features the fewest bunkers on the PGA Tour. Instead, the course relies on steep runoff areas and multi-layered greens to protect par. At over 7,400 yards and playing as a par 70, the layout demands length off the tee while punishing wayward approaches with tricky recovery situations.
A Who’s Who of PGA Tour Talent
Scheffler is far from the only marquee name in the field. Brooks Koepka, who recently departed LIV Golf to begin the process of rejoining the PGA Tour, is among the headliners. The five-time major champion brings intrigue and competitive fire to any event he enters, and his presence at the Houston Open signals his intent to be fully prepared for the Masters.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee returns to the scene of his 2025 triumph, while Chris Gotterup, currently ranked seventh in the world, has been in outstanding form and enters as one of the betting favorites. Shane Lowry, Sam Burns, Jake Knapp, and Jason Day round out a formidable list of contenders.
Past major champions in the field include Wyndham Clark, Jason Day, Lucas Glover, Shane Lowry, Adam Scott, and Gary Woodland, giving the tournament a depth of proven winners that rivals many Signature Events.
The Masters Connection
The Houston Open’s position on the schedule, just one week before the Masters, makes it a crucial proving ground for players fine-tuning their games ahead of the year’s first major. For some, it’s a final chance to build competitive momentum. For others, it’s about working out specific parts of their game under tournament pressure.
The course at Memorial Park shares some characteristics with Augusta National, including firm, fast greens that demand touch and imagination around the putting surfaces. Players who perform well here often carry that confidence into Masters week, making the Houston Open results worth watching closely for those tracking Masters favorites.
What to Watch This Week
Beyond the individual storylines, the Houston Open provides an excellent opportunity to assess the overall state of play on the PGA Tour heading into the most important stretch of the season. The April-to-June run of the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open represents the true proving ground, and the Houston Open serves as the final dress rehearsal.
Keep an eye on Koepka’s competitive sharpness after his time away from PGA Tour events, Scheffler’s ball-striking statistics, and whether Gotterup can maintain the extraordinary form that has him among the world’s top 10. With competition running March 26 through 29, this promises to be one of the most compelling non-major weeks of the season.
