The golfing events as we come closer to the Masters are filling the excitement. The adrenaline-filled course with impressive performance has been the story for the Houston Open. Well, this isn’t just for this year as the historic event, which dates back to 1946, has been among the fans’ favorites for its great players’ roster and the noble cause. The event has been the largest fundraiser for the Astros Foundation, along with many other local charities that benefit the city of Houston.

Even for the players, it has been a great platform to showcase their skill set. Take the example of Alejandro Tosti, who debuted at the PGA Tour in 2024 and had a runner-up finish at the event. The golf world got to know about a new golfing sensation from Argentina at the Houston Open. Similarly, in 2025, the tournament also helped Scottie Scheffler get back to his prime form.

Apart from helping the golfer get their form and confidence back, the golfers at the Memorial Park Golf Course will have a significant chance to increase their purse. The event, which invites the best of 156 golfers to compete after Friday, comes down to 65 only. These golfers will compete for the whopping prize purse of $9.5 million.

Out of the grand purse, the winner will take home $1,710,000, while the 65th placed golfer will get an increase of $20,425. Unlike other events, only the top two spots will have more than a $1 million increase, rest from the third place will observe a drop from $655,500.

But the fact is, who will take the whopping $1.7 million is still unsure as the difference in the leaderboard is minor. Let’s check who is in contention for the top spot.

Houston Open top contender for victory

With the third round to begin, the second phase of the event, where the golfer will compete for the top spot, will be a genuine delight for the fan. Until now, there hasn’t been a clear leader who had gained a major stroke difference. But the final two rounds could make the change.

Currently, Scottie Scheffler is at the top spot after his round of 62, which took him 797 days to re-achieve. He is currently at 11 under, thanks to his rounds of 67 and 62. But not far below Min Woo Lee, Ryan Gerard and Taylor Pendrith have also found a close spot in the leaderboard. The trio is currently placed at T2 with their 10 under score.

Though Scheffler has recorded two bogey-free rounds, the trio has managed to stay in contention even after bogeys. Woo Lee, with his rounds of 66 and 64, had 15 birdies and 5 bogeys. Similarly, Gerard had two bogeys in the first round, rest was 11 birdies that helped him get to the tied second position. Even Pendrith had 2 bogeys with 12 birdies.

Below the four top names, Nico Echavarria, Trey Mullinax, Jackson Suber, and Alejandro Tosti have managed to stay close with their under 8 score. Now, with such close margins, it will be interesting to see how the golfers will retaliate in the final two rounds.

Who, according to you, has the most chances of victory? Share your picks with us in the comments below.