2026 Houston Open Preview: Expert Predictions and Picks as Players Prepare for Masters The PGA Tour returns to Houston for the 2026 Houston Open, marking the start of a two-week stretch before the Masters, the first major championship of the year. The tournament, held at Memorial Park Golf Course, will take place from March 26 to 29, with a purse of $9.9 million. The event is part of the tour’s preparations for the Masters, where several players are vying for a spot at Augusta National. Rickie Fowler, a fan favorite, remains on the outside looking in for the Masters despite a strong 2026 season. He has made all six of his cuts so far and finished in the top 20 in four events, including a T9 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His world ranking has climbed to No. 61, but he needs to secure a top-50 position by the end of the week or win the Texas Open next week to qualify for the Masters. Pierceson Coody, starting the Houston Open at No. 51 in the Official World Golf Rankings, faces a similar challenge. After a strong start to the season with five top-20 finishes, he has struggled with missed cuts at recent tournaments, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship. His performance this week could determine his eligibility for the Masters. Scottie Scheffler, a two-time Masters champion, withdrew from the Houston Open due to family reasons, though his absence may be temporary. Reigning champion Min Woo Lee, however, is in strong form, having posted top-15 finishes in three of his last four tournaments. His recent putter switch at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has been a key factor in his success. The field includes several notable players with varying odds of winning.#pga_tour #memorial_park_golf_course #rickie_fowler #pierceson_coody #min_wooo_lee
