Scheffler and McIlroy set for Houston Open showdown: 5 must know facts about the affordable municipal course
There’s no better feeling on a public municipal course than that final hole shootout where you try to get one over your mate.
But imagine playing the same affordable city-owned muni greens that Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy had faced off at the week before.
Stand up the venue for round 13 of the 2025 PGA Tour season, Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, a par 70 course spanning 7,475 yards in Houston.
The Texas Children’s Houston Open has been a staple on the PGA Tour circuit since its inception in 1946.
Legends of the game such as Byron Nelson, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer have all claimed victory, highlighting the heritage of the event.
In 2024, it was Germany’s Stephan Jaeger who secured his maiden PGA Tour victory, edging out the field in a tightly contested 72 holes of golf.
The field this week features World No.1 Scheffler and second-ranked McIlroy who is appearing at the event for the first time since 2014 off the back of his brilliant win at The Players Championship.
A PGA Tour event rich in interesting history, let’s take a look at five incredible facts about the Texas Children’s Houston Open…
Historic venue with a modern twist
Memorial Park Golf Course originally opened in 1912 and has undergone transformative makeovers through the years with the most recent restoration taking place in 2019.
Renowned golf course architect, Tom Doak, used his unique vision to revitalise and modernise the course.
His changes improved the layout while preserving its rich history – multiple Major winner, Brooks Koepka, contributed to the fund.
Augusta looms
With the tournament taking place just a fortnight before the Masters, the Houston Open has often been used as a preparatory event with the field desperate to find form ahead of Augusta.
The actual course makeup is designed to resemble that of Augusta National with the speed and condition of greens closely matched to the iconic golfing haven.
If McIlroy can get another positive 72 holes under his belt, many would argue his form has never been in a better place to fight for a first Green Jacket.
A municipal golf course fit for professionals
Unlike many venues on the PGA Tour, Memorial Park is a municipal course that’s owned by the city of Houston.
As a result, outside of tournament periods, the general public can play the same greens as their PGA heroes all year round.
The venue offers amateur golfers the chance to experience professional conditions with affordable green fees.
Houston residents can play the course in the week for just $38!
Where sport and philanthropy meets
Beyond the fairways and on-course activity, the Houston Open has a strong impetus and history of philanthropic work.
Proceeds from the event benefit numerous charities in the state of Texas with millions of dollars donated over the years to support community projects in education, healthcare and creating opportunities for children who otherwise may not have the same chance to flourish.
Record-breaking attendances
The city of Houston always heavily buys into the event with a consistently good atmosphere when the PGA Tour comes to play.
The event has set records with over 150,000 spectators attending the event throughout the week in recent years since its impactful renovations.
Support like this highlights the city’s passion for golf and the significance of the event in the sporting calendar.
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