Houston Open Preview: Picks, Key Stats & Players to Watch

As we approach major season, we received a huge shake up on the odds board with Scottie Scheffler withdrawing from this tournament. This greatly affects both the odds on the other golfers, but also my interest in some of the longer shots and their potential to actually take home first place. 

 

Memorial Park

 

Par: 70

Yardage: 7,475

Greens: Poa trivalis overseed

 

Key Stats

 

• Driving Distance 
• Strokes Gained: Approach
• Strokes Gained: Putting
• Scrambling

 

This tournament moved from the Fall swing to March prior to the 2024 season – and with that move an emphasis has really been put on distance off the tee. Don’t get me wrong, that’s always been important at a long course like this but it seems to be the main focus for me with the rough being less challenging as well. Long off the tee and good around the green is the key to winning this tournament. 

The Brothers Hojgaard 

 

I expect the Hojgaard’s to be popular choices this week in both betting and Daily Fantasy – especially Nicolai. He’s made the cut in every tournament this year and has been extremely close to winning multiple times. With Scottie now out of the field, this could be a good time for him to get over the hump and find the winner’s circle for the first time as one of the best pure course fits in the field. As for his brother Rasmus, he also comp’s well here and has more of a ceiling as it currently stands because he is the better putter of the two. I expect them both to be in the mix this weekend. 

 

Adam Scott

 

The Scott number feels a bit low, but I can’t seem to get away from him both in the numbers and eye test for this tournament. Despite being older now, his clubhead speed is great and he’s been a top-30 driver of the ball this season. He’s one of the guys that I love backing because when his putter gets hot, it’s really tough to slow him down. There’s potential for that here, combined with the good distance and strong recent form.

 

Pierceson Coody

 

Coody struggled mightily during the Florida swing, but that’s been the case throughout his career and I’m willing to disregard it a bit given how different the courses play. His short game hasn’t been up to snuff, but everything else looks fine. His ball striking has been good and we know that he’s one of the best drivers in this event. If he gets hot chipping and putting he is going to be in contention like we saw from him earlier this season.