With the conclusion of the Florida Swing and just two weeks remaining until the Masters, the PGA Tour now shifts its focus to the west for the Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course. This renowned public and municipal course, dating back to 1912, spans 7,412 yards with a par of 70. Six of the OWGR’s top 30 are in the field, including course record holder Scottie Scheffler. It’s once again a “to Scottie, or not to Scottie” week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noteworthy for its five par 3s and three par 5s, the course features a modest 21 bunkers and only four water hazards, all changes made during the 2019 Brooks Koepka-led redesign. Its defense lies in the distinctive green complexes characterized by undulating surfaces and short-grass runoffs with false fronts. According to course superintendent Parker Henry, while everything is visible, the green complexes can be challenging if not approached accurately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The course has historically played over par, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded game. This year, the tournament’s move from fall to spring has significantly changed the course’s agronomy. The once bermudagrass-covered course now showcases Poa trivialis on the greens. Additionally, the rough has transitioned from penal 2.5″ Bermuda to a more manageable 1.25″ ryegrass. This shift in turf is crucial, as it is expected to make tee shots much more forgiving compared to previous years. With the reduced likelihood of “fliers” or difficult lies from Bermuda rough, players can adopt a more aggressive approach. Consequently, it is anticipated that this year’s average score will be approximately a full stroke easier than the previous three events, which averaged a score of +0.80 per round. This is a grip-it-and-rip-it course off the tee, and the penalty for missing the fairway should be severely reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n