This week marks the Texas Children’s Houston Open, the penultimate event before the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. With players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy headlining the tournament, anticipation is high. The Memorial Park course, designed by Tom Doak, offers a challenging test for the players with its long par 70 layout and difficult conditions. The course features large, overseeded Bermudagrass greens with closely mown run-off areas, wide contoured fairways, and average-height rough, making it a great preparation for major championship golf.
Over the past four years, the average winning score at the Houston Open has been less than 13 under par, showcasing the difficulty of the course. With significant winds and possible rain in the forecast, conditions are expected to be challenging for the players. Key factors for success at Memorial Park include distance off the tee, Par 4 Scoring, Scrambling, Strokes Gained: Approach, and Greens in Regulation Gained. Correlated courses such as Southern Hills, Winged Foot, and Pinehurst No. 2 provide insights into potential success at Memorial Park.
For the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open, expert Brady Kannon has picked several players for an outright win and a top-20 finish. Players like Maverick McNealy, Thomas Detry, Alex Smalley, Keith Mitchell, Harris English, Nick Taylor, and Nicolai Hojgaard are among the top contenders. Each player has specific strengths that align with the demands of the course and previous successes at similar venues. With notable finishes and strong performances in recent tournaments, these players are poised to make an impact at the Houston Open.
McNealy has shown consistency and success on long, challenging courses, while Detry has a history of performing well at big-boy golf courses like Memorial Park. Smalley’s recent form and high rankings in key categories make him a strong contender, along with Mitchell who excels in ball striking and driving. English, Taylor, and Hojgaard bring experience and skill to the field, with noteworthy performances at courses with similar demands to Memorial Park.
Overall, the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open promises to be an exciting event with top players vying for victory. The combination of a challenging course, unpredictable weather conditions, and a strong field of contenders sets the stage for an intriguing competition. With expert picks from Brady Kannon and insights from Chirp Golf, fans can look forward to an entertaining tournament as players compete for the title and valuable points leading up to the Masters.
