The Houston Open is back this week at Memorial Park Golf Club, where two of golf's biggest stars, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, are gearing up for the tournament just two weeks before The Masters at Augusta. As the tournament kicks off on March 27, 2025, fans are eager to see if these top players can hone their skills in preparation for the season's first major.
Scheduled for the final weekend of March, the Houston Open has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1946 when Byron Nelson triumphed over fellow Texan Ben Hogan. Past champions of this prestigious tournament include legends like Bobby Locke, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Payne Stewart. Among its more recent winners, Tony Finau stands out, having claimed the title two years ago and finishing in a tie for second last year, just one stroke behind last year's victor, Stephan Jaeger.
This year's edition promises to be gripping, particularly with veteran competitors and promising newcomers in the mix. The defending champion, Stephan Jaeger, returns to defend his title, marking his first victory on the PGA Tour in 2024. Meanwhile, Finau’s previous success at Memorial Park, where he shot a remarkable 62 in two of his last visits, offers a glimmer of excitement among fans and bettors alike.
Located in Houston, Texas, Memorial Park Golf Club is a par 70 course measuring 7,475 yards. Designed in 1936 by John Bredemus and renovated in 2019 by Tom Doak, the course retains its competitive edge, providing challenges such as tight fairways and elevated greens. Players will need to master their long games, as the course includes five par 3 holes, ten par 4 holes, and three par 5 holes. The layout averages hitting difficulties, often posing a test for even the most experienced players. Rain and thunderstorms are forecasted during the tournament week, potentially softening the course but also introducing additional challenges with winds exceeding 15 mph, gusting up to 30 mph.
Golf betting pundits have highlighted Tony Finau as a prime candidate to secure another win, boasting odds of 33/1. His ability with longer irons and strong driving helps him navigate Memorial Park effectively, and his history here demonstrates his capability to contend. Alex Smalley is also considered a player to watch, with odds set at 50/1. Despite a setback missing the cut at the Valspar Championship, his previous performances at this venue—including a fourth-place finish two years ago—suggest that he could bounce back impressively.
Jake Knapp rounds out the predictions with betting odds of 75/1. A recent standout after an impressive 59 at the Cognizant Classic, Knapp has demonstrated potential, making him a dark horse in the tournament. Although he faced challenges last year, participating again this season could yield better results as he builds on last year's experiences.
Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one and proud Texan, carries the weight of local expectations as he returns to Memorial Park, where he has previously finished as a runner-up twice, including last year. He joins McIlroy, who is excited to debut on this public course after his victory at the Players Championship a fortnight ago, setting the stage for a showdown between the two best players in the world.
All eyes this week will not only be focused on the tournament's biggest stars but also on the emerging talents aiming to disrupt the duopoly. With challenging weather conditions expected and an already demanding course layout, the Houston Open is anticipated to provide thrilling golf action, setting the tone for the stakes of The Masters that loom just ahead.
In conclusion, the Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Club is shaping up to be an exhilarating contest. Players like Finau and Smalley seem ready to outshine their competitors, while top players Scheffler and McIlroy are eager to refine their games for Augusta. With the current weather forecasts and the course's challenges, it promises to be a week filled with highs and lows and nail-biting moments on the greens.
