The 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open on the PGA Tour returns to Memorial Park Golf Course from March 26-29, with a high‑class field in place despite the late withdrawal of Scottie Scheffler.
Memorial Park in Houston, Texas, is a modern championship layout playing as a par 70 of over 7,400 yards, featuring Bermuda grass throughout, strategic bunkering and water in play on several holes.
The Tom Doak redesign, completed with input from Brooks Koepka as a player consultant, has turned the course into a demanding all‑round test where elite ball‑striking and a sharp short game are vital.
The event is one of the key early‑season stops on the PGA Tour with defending champion Min Woo Lee, in‑form Chris Gotterup and multiple major winner Brooks Koepka in the field.
Current 2026 Houston Open Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Min Woo Lee | 13/1 (+1300) |
| Chris Gotterup | 19/1 (+1900) |
| Jake Knapp | 21/1 (+2100) |
| Brooks Koepka | 23/1 (+2300) |
| Sam Burns | 26/1 (+2600) |
Leading 2026 Houston Open Contenders
Min Woo Lee
Reigning champion Min Woo Lee returns to Memorial Park looking to defend the title he won in style last year and arrives in Texas with his game trending strongly again in 2026.
Recent performances include a runner‑up finish at Pebble Beach and multiple top‑20s, underlining how comfortable he is on demanding layouts that reward aggressive, confident golf.
Lee’s length off the tee and positive strokes‑gained numbers with driver make him a natural fit for a par‑70 test that stretches beyond 7,400 yards.
If he sustains his current level of ball‑striking and converts a few more mid‑range birdie looks, a successful title defence is very much on the cards.
Chris Gotterup
World‑class driver of the ball Chris Gotterup has quickly become one of the most dangerous players on the PGA Tour and already has multiple wins to his name early in his career.
After a breakthrough in 2026 with victory at the Sony Open, he has established himself as a top‑10 player in the world rankings and a constant threat whenever accuracy and power are required in equal measure.
Memorial Park’s emphasis on long, testing par‑4s and demanding tee shots sets up perfectly for Gotterup’s modern power game.
If he keeps the driver in play and finds a decent week with the putter on the fast Bermuda greens, he has the upside to blow the field away.
Jake Knapp
Rookie‑turned‑winner Jake Knapp continues to build on the momentum of his early career breakthrough, having earned his first PGA Tour title at the Mexico Open.
His powerful, fearless style makes him a particularly interesting option around a layout that can reward aggressive tee shots when executed correctly.
Knapp has already shown he can contend on long, demanding courses, and Memorial Park’s par‑70 configuration should still play into his strength of turning par‑5‑style par‑4s into scoring chances.
With confidence high from his maiden win, he appears a lively each‑way candidate in Houston.
Brooks Koepka
Five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka adds serious star power to the Houston Open field in what is a key part of his 2026 schedule.
Koepka had input into the Memorial Park redesign, which gives him an extra layer of comfort and understanding of how to attack the course’s most demanding holes.
Although his early‑season results have been mixed, Koepka traditionally builds towards the majors and often uses events like Houston to sharpen his competitive edge.
If he locks in with his irons and puts positively on the Bermuda surfaces, his winning experience makes him a dangerous contender at attractive odds.
Sam Burns
Proven PGA Tour winner Sam Burns comes into Houston off a solid start to his 2026 campaign, including a low‑scoring performance at The American Express where he opened with three straight rounds in the 60s.
His combination of quality driving and one of the better putters on tour makes him a constant threat when birdies are available but mistakes are heavily punished.
Burns has a strong record on Bermuda‑grass layouts, and Memorial Park’s green complexes should suit his eye once he adjusts to their speed and contouring.
With Scottie Scheffler absent, Burns moves further up the pecking order and offers appealing each‑way value in a field that remains strong but more open at the top of the market.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.