Texas Children’s Houston Open 2026: Payout & Guide

Few PGA Tour stops blend big-city energy with a classic municipal course quite like the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and the 2026 edition runs March 26–29 at Memorial Park Golf Course with a total purse of $9.9 million and a winner’s share of $1.782 million. Whether you’re planning to attend or just following from home, here’s what you need to know about tickets, the schedule, and the field.

Tournament name: Texas Children’s Houston Open ·
Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas ·
2026 dates: March 26–29, 2026 ·
2025 winner: Min Woo Lee ·
2025 purse: $9.1 million ·
2025 winner’s share: $1.638 million

Eight quick facts that define this PGA Tour stop:

What’s the payout for the Texas Children’s Houston Open?

For the 2026 edition, the PGA Tour has set the purse at $9.9 million, with the winner earning $1.782 million and 500 FedExCup points, according to the PGA Tour media sheet (tournament info page). That’s an increase from the $9.1 million purse in 2025, when Min Woo Lee took home $1.638 million.

2026 prize fund breakdown

• Total purse: $9.9 million (PGA Tour media sheet)
• Winner’s share: $1.782 million (18% of purse)
• Second place: estimated ~$1.08 million (based on typical PGA Tour payout ratio)
• FedExCup points to winner: 500

The implication: for a mid-tier event, the payout structure still rewards the winner heavily relative to the rest of the field.

When is the 2026 Houston Open?

The full event week runs from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, March 29, but the public can attend competition rounds from Thursday to Sunday. Here’s the day-by-day schedule from the official schedule page.

• Monday, March 23 – Westlake Pro-Am (closed to the public)
• Tuesday, March 24 – Practice Day and Executive Women’s Day hosted by Whitney Crane (closed to the public)
• Thursday, March 26 – Round 1 (gates open 7:00 a.m., parking 6:00 a.m., shuttles from 6:30 a.m.)
• Friday, March 27 – Round 2 (same gate/park/shuttle times)
• Saturday, March 28 – Round 3 (giveaway: Clear Crossbody Bag for first 2,500 fans)
• Sunday, March 29 – Round 4 (giveaway: Fanny Pack for first 2,500 fans; trophy ceremony on 18th green)

The pattern: early arrivals get both parking convenience and free merchandise, making Thursday and Friday better for a relaxed experience.

Who is in the 2026 Houston Open field?

The tournament’s home page lists Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Shane Lowry, and defending champion Min Woo Lee as headliners, per the Texas Children’s Houston Open official site. Full field and tee times are posted on the PGA Tour site closer to the event.

The field also benefits from the tournament’s spring date, which avoids conflicts with major championships. While Scottie Scheffler did not participate in the 2025 edition – his exact reason for skipping was not publicly detailed – the 2026 lineup already features four major winners.

The catch: the full field list remains incomplete until closer to March, so fans should monitor the official site for updates.

How do I get tickets for the Houston Open?

Tickets are sold through the official tournament website. Options include daily grounds passes, hospitality packages, and the Venue Hopper that gives access to multiple areas. The Schedule of Events page notes that hospitality venues open at 8:30 a.m. on competition days.

• Buy direct from tchouopen.com
• Parking: free in Lots A and B (first-come, first-served)
• Shuttles: free from lots to course
• Jr. Clubhouse: new family activity area in 2026 (Texas Children’s Hospital event page)

What this means: planning around the giveaway days can affect crowd size; Thursday and Friday offer easier access without losing any competition action.

Why did Scottie Scheffler withdraw from the Houston Open?

Scottie Scheffler did not enter the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. The official reason for his absence was not publicly detailed at the time. His withdrawal left a notable gap in the field, which Min Woo Lee ultimately won. For the 2026 event, no confirmation of Scheffler’s participation has been made.

The pattern: elite players occasionally skip this event due to schedule conflicts, but the tournament still attracts strong fields.

Do pro golfers pay for their hotel rooms?

Under standard PGA Tour policy, players are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses during tournament weeks. However, top-ranked players often have sponsorship deals that cover these costs. For the Houston Open, many players stay at hotels near Memorial Park, but the tour does not provide complimentary accommodation. According to industry reports, the cost of a week-long stay for a player can run into thousands of dollars.

The catch: for up-and-coming players, the financial burden of travel can be significant, making prize money even more critical.

How much money did Min Woo Lee win?

Min Woo Lee won the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open and earned $1.638 million from a total purse of $9.1 million. It was his first PGA Tour victory. The amount is listed on the PGA Tour media sheet. For context, the 2026 winner will receive $1.782 million, reflecting the increased purse.

The implication: a single victory at the Houston Open can transform a player’s career both financially and reputationally.

What golfer is a billionaire?

Tiger Woods is the only professional golfer confirmed to have reached billionaire status, according to Forbes and other financial publications. His net worth, built through prize money, endorsements, and business ventures, exceeds $1 billion. Other wealthy golfers like Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus are estimated to be worth several hundred million dollars but have not crossed the billionaire threshold.

The pattern: endorsements and business investments, not tournament purses, are the primary drivers of wealth at the top of the sport.

Where does Min Woo Lee live now?

Min Woo Lee, who was born in Perth, Australia, now resides in the United States. While his exact city is not officially confirmed, reports suggest he lives in Florida or Texas, common bases for international golfers on the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour official site lists his residence as “United States” in player profiles.

The catch: his precise location has not been publicly disclosed, so fans rely on general indications.

How much tax will Rory McIlroy pay?

Rory McIlroy, a Northern Irish golfer who competes globally, pays taxes in multiple jurisdictions. His tax rate on prize money depends on where he wins and his residency status. Estimates vary, but some sources indicate his effective tax rate on international earnings can exceed 40% when accounting for home-country taxes and foreign withholding. The PGA Tour does not provide tax guidance, and McIlroy’s team handles his financial affairs privately.

The pattern: high-earning golfers often structure their careers to minimize tax burdens, but exact figures remain confidential.

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