Texas Children’s Houston Open 2024: Five Biggest Names Missing From The 144-Player Field

The Texas Children’s Houston Open is taking place from March 28–31, 2024. There are going to be many top players in this field, along with newcomers to the professional circuit. Among them will be world no. 1 Scottie Scheffler and the defending champion, Tony Finau, ready to secure their lead over the others. With a purse of $9.1 million for the taking, it is gearing up to be an exciting weekend for golf fans.

With this being the second last week before the Masters, this is going to be a game that will check the readiness of those playing for the flagship event. But there are a few noteworthy players who have decided to refrain from the competition. Let’s take a look at a few of these names.

Who won’t take the greens at the Texas Children’s Houston Open?

In the diversified field of 144 golfers, there are a few names have opted to sit out of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. They are:

Rory McIlroy: A longtime presence in the golf world, McIlroy is a favorite of many. His decision to skip the Texas Open is especially noticeable because of his capacity to attract large audiences and improve the competitive environment. He has been missing out on the action in two games now, with him not playing at the Valspar Championship as well. The fans will see him early in April at the Valero Texas Open, after which he will be seen at the Masters, fighting to complete his career’s Grand Slam.

Jordan Spieth: The Texan golf superstar has a personal tie to the city, which makes his absence all the more noticeable. Due to Spieth’s decision to not compete, the event will be without a beloved local figure whose presence could have inspired spectators and rival competitors. He’s a fan favorite because of his talent for dramatic plays and come-from-behind victories. But his present form seems to be lacking, with him not having made the cut at the Valspar Championship. He will next be seen on the greens of the Augusta National from April 8, where he previously won in 2015.

Justin Thomas: Another player on the list of absentees is Justin Thomas, a player renowned for his accuracy on the course. Thomas would have brought a level of intensity to the proceedings with his aggressive plays and intense competitive spirit. His inconsistent form, being cut from THE PLAYERS Championship but performing well at the Copperhead course, means the man needs to get into form before playing at the Augusta National.

Xander Schauffele: Schauffele, who is sometimes also referred to as silent assassin because of his stealthy yet lethal performance, will not be performing in Houston. He sure is an exciting athlete to watch because of his ability to rise through the ranks quietly. Now placed 5th in the world and having dominated THE PLAYERS Championship until the very end, missing out on the top spot to Scheffler, the pro will surely be missed in Houston.

Viktor Hovland: Last but not least is the Norwegian wonder Viktor Hovland, who has surged up the ranks to become a major player in the professional golf scene. Hovland is a representative of the upcoming generation of golfers, and his involvement would have enhanced the story of up-and-coming talent taking on veteran players. The 26-year-old’s performance in his last two tournaments was average, as he finished outside of the top 20 (T62 at THE PLAYERS, and T36 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational), so recovery and rest are essential for the future.

Read more: Rory McIlroy’s First Ever THE PLAYERS Championship Was Notorious and Infamous—’Kicked’Out of Bars’

Without these five stars, the Texas Children’s Houston Open will definitely be less bright. Their absence is a loss to the event and its supporters as a whole, despite the fact that their motivations for not competing are diverse and private.

Read more: PAC Member Justin Thomas Demands ‘Long-Term’ Solution Amid PGA Tour’s Bizarre Valspar Championship Move