The 2026 Houston Open, happening this Thursday at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, is generating buzz as it approaches. This year’s event becomes particularly notable with the withdrawal of Texas native Scottie Scheffler, who stepped back due to the impending birth of his child. With Scheffler out, the odds have notably shifted, placing defending champion Min Woo Lee in a surprising position as the favorite.
"He [Lee] opened at +2200 but now sits at +15000, a notable shift," said a golf analyst. The change reflects how quickly fortunes can wane in golf, especially as the Masters loom just around the corner, following this two-week stretch in Texas.
Alongside Lee, other players are also vying for attention. Top competitors include Chris Gotterup at +1800, Jake Knapp and Sam Burns both at +2200, and Brooks Koepka, who is listed at +2500. Koepka’s recent performance has been less than stellar, accumulating only one top-10 finish in five tournaments since his return to the PGA Tour.
Before placing any bets or entering one-and-done contests for the Houston Open, it’s crucial to consider insights from SportsLine's advanced predictive model. Created by DFS professional Mike McClure, this model has accurately simulated the tournament 10,000 times, generating insights that are both surprising and potential money-makers for bettors.
"This model has correctly predicted a remarkable 16 majors, including last year’s PGA Championship and Open Championship. Those who have followed its picks have enjoyed substantial returns," said McClure.
As SportsLine’s model analyzed the upcoming Houston Open, it made a significant prediction regarding Lee. Despite being the defending champion, it suggests he barely makes the cut for the top five. "Lee’s last outing at The Players Championship didn’t inspire confidence; he failed to break 70 in any round, finishing T32," noted a golf analyst.
Conversely, another unexpected prediction has surfaced: Nicolai Hojgaard has emerged as a dark horse. At +2500, he is viewed as a strong contender despite a recent tough outing at the Valspar Championship. "He hasn’t placed worse than T27 in any event this season, boasting a T3 at the WM Phoenix Open and a T6 at the Cognizant Classic," the analyst stated.
As spectators and bettors prepare for the Houston Open, there are also enticing prospects among longshots. The SportsLine model highlights three golfers with odds of +4000 or higher, including a notable pick at +6000, which could present an exciting opportunity for bettors looking for an edge.
This year’s Houston Open promises to showcase both established stars and rising talents, making it a key event before the Masters. Golf enthusiasts and bettors alike should keep a close eye on not just the favorites but also on the potential surprises that the event can offer. With 2026 Houston Open odds now revealed and predictions in place, it’s time to gear up for a thrilling week of golf in Houston.