The PGA Tour picks up from Florida and heads to the Lone Star for a two-week Texas swing. The first stop is the Houston Open is the hottest golfer in the world in his home state. Can anyone slow him down this week?
Slowing Down Scottie
He’s back, and he’s in his home state of Texas. I’m referring to world #1 Scottie Scheffler, winner of his last two starts on the PGA Tour. Now he gets his final preparations for Augusta on familiar ground, and he’s undoubtedly the favorite by a large margin this week. His +280 odds to win remind us of a player named Tiger who used to have similar odds as a favorite. He’s been the world’s best ball striker and now he found his putter – watch out.
Last March, there was no Houston Open as the event took a year off. In 2024 it’s now slotted into the spring schedule and provides a great opportunity for the world’s best to prep for The Masters. The first major is just two weeks out and the move to the spring helped improve the quality of this week’s field. The last Houston Open in the fall of 2022 was won by Tony Finau, who is back to defend this year.
Houston Open: The Deets
Where to watch: The Golf Channel and NBC have us covered for four days full of cowboy, rodeo and Texas BBQ references, most of which won’t watch the Houston setting at all.
Why to watch: The Houston Open is played at a great urban muny course that embodies city golf. Got to watch to see if the Scheffler heater continues on.
Purse: $9.1 million
Winner’s Share: $1.62 million
The Houston Open: All Are Welcome
I love weeks like this where a public course, open at ANYONE is on display. It’s rare that the tour has courses with city skylines in the background, as Memorial Park is Houston’s go-to public course. Just miles from the city center it’s a classic parkland layout at just under 7400 yards, par 70. It’s got twists and turns and devilish that may remind you of your local home course. There’s no doubt putting and green-side play is at a premium.
Fortunately, Scottie Scheffler found a putter that he loves. That’s terrible news for the rest of the field this week. Scheffler’s absurd +280 odds to win rival that of Tiger Woods in his prime. With other big names in the Houston Open field like Wyndham Clark (+1400) and Tony Finau (+1800 ) in the field, the Scheffler odds are a testament to how dominant he is in current form. Other notables – Will Zalatoris (+1800) and Sahith Theegala (+2000) are atop the odds boards.
The Houston Open: What To Consider
- Who’s hot and trending: Recent high finishes, top-10 streaks, and consistent play are never a bad thing.
- Horses for courses: Players love certain courses, and course familiarity and experience are invaluable in the field of the world’s best at the PLAYERS.
- What the numbers tell you this week: I’m far from analytical, there’s always a tournament darling or two scattered across the golf talk stratosphere that are great statistical fits to play well.
- Intangibles: This allows for a theater of the mind; it’s that mysterious optimism surrounding a player that feels “due” to break through.
Outright Picks To Win The Houston Open
Scottie Scheffler – 3/1 – How can you not bet him? Our hands are tied as of right now because he’s on fire and in his home state.
Jason Day – 28/1 – Played well here last year and seems due for a strong week. Ideal weather for a chronically injured back in Texas as well.
Aaron Rai – 55/1 – Great value on a player that top 10’d here last time around in 2022.
Akshay Bhatia – 70/1 – Flashed late on Sunday at Valspar so he’s worth a stab.
Cameron Champ – 120/1 – Champ played in the last few groups this past weekend and with a local Texas connection. He could emerge as a sleeper in this Houston Open.
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Alex Lauzon is a podcast host, live broadcaster, analyst and golf-betting extraordinaire for the Course of Life brand. Actively creating content across social media and video platforms on golf, sports betting and pop culture. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
