March is here, and so is one of the most anticipated stops on the PGA Tour—the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open! From March 27-30, Memorial Park Golf Course will transform into a battleground as 156 of the world’s best golfers tee it up, all eyeing a share of the massive $9.5 million purse.

The excitement is palpable, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy headlining the field. Scheffler, a two-time runner-up at this event, is eager to finally claim the trophy, while McIlroy makes his debut at Memorial Park, looking to fine-tune his game before The Masters. With a stacked lineup and high stakes, this year’s Houston Open promises drama, intensity, and thrilling golf.

Like most PGA Tour stops, the Texas Children’s Houston Open follows a traditional 72-hole stroke-play format. All 156 players will begin the tournament on Thursday, battling through the first two rounds. However, not everyone will get a shot at weekend glory. By the time Friday’s round concludes, the field will be trimmed significantly, with only the top 65 players (including ties) advancing to the final two rounds. This cut ensures that only the best-performing golfers continue into Saturday and Sunday, making for a more competitive and dramatic finish. For players on the bubble, Friday’s back nine could mean the difference between a chance at victory and an early flight home. The course itself also plays into the competition between the best.

Memorial Park Golf Course, a par-70 layout stretching 7,475 yards, isn’t just another stop on the PGA Tour—it’s a course that demands precision, patience, and strategy. Known for its challenging greens, strategic bunkering, and tree-lined fairways, the venue has a reputation for testing even the most seasoned professionals. Despite being a public course where everyday golfers can play for just $30, Memorial Park has hosted the Houston Open since 2020 and has quickly earned respect among Tour pros. Past winners know that going low here isn’t easy. With firm fairways and penal rough, this course rewards accuracy and a sharp short game over sheer power.

The 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open boasts a hefty $9.5 million purse, with the winner set to take home a cool $1.7 million. Beyond the prize money, valuable FedEx Cup points are also on the line, making this event crucial for players aiming to secure a strong position in the season-long race.

For many in the field, this tournament serves as a prime opportunity to fine-tune their form before heading to Augusta National for The Masters. A strong showing in Houston could provide a massive confidence boost heading into golf’s first major of the year.

Where and Who to Watch This Year

This year’s field is stacked with talent, featuring a mix of past champions, rising stars, and world-class contenders:

• Scottie Scheffler (7/2 odds) – The world No. 1 and Dallas native has twice finished runner-up at Memorial Park. He’ll be determined to break through this time.
• Rory McIlroy (6/1 odds) – Making his Houston Open debut, McIlroy is chasing his third PGA Tour victory of the season, having already triumphed at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass.
• Tony Finau (28/1 odds) – The 2022 champion at Memorial Park, Finau knows how to win here and could be a serious contender again.
• Stephan Jaeger (33/1 odds) – The defending champion held off a star-studded leaderboard last year. Can he go back-to-back?
• Aaron Rai (25/1 odds) – With top-15 finishes at Bay Hill and TPC Sawgrass, Rai is trending in the right direction. He also has strong past performances at Memorial Park.
• Jacob Bridgeman (50/1 odds) – A rising talent, Bridgeman has climbed into the world’s top 70 after multiple podium finishes this season.

With such a deep field, expect intense battles throughout the week as players jockey for position heading into the weekend. Golf fans won’t have to miss a second of the action. In the U.S., streaming options include:

• TalkSPORT 2 – Providing live audio coverage throughout the week.
• PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ – Offering exclusive featured group coverage.
• Peacock & NBC Sports App – Streaming the weekend rounds.
• The Golf Channel & NBC – Televising key moments from Thursday through Sunday.

With so many ways to watch, fans worldwide can follow the tournament from the first tee shot to the final putt. The stage is set for a thrilling week of golf at the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. With a star-studded field, a challenging course, and high stakes, this tournament has all the ingredients for an unforgettable showdown.

Will Scottie Scheffler finally claim the title after two near misses? Can Rory McIlroy continue his hot streak? Or will a dark horse emerge victorious? One thing’s for sure—by Sunday evening, the Houston Open champion will have earned every bit of that $1.7 million paycheck. Let the battle begin!