The PGA Tour is headed to Texas for the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open, hosted at the Memorial Park Golf Course. With a 156-player field, this tournament will feature some of the world’s biggest golf stars, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler, currently the world’s No. 1, is eyeing his first Houston Open win after a runner-up finish in 2024. Meanwhile, McIlroy returns to the event for the first time since 2014, already riding high after winning The Players Championship earlier this season.
Who Are the Favorites?
According to the latest 2025 Houston Open odds, Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite at +330 (risk ₹100 to win ₹330), while Rory McIlroy is next at +700.
Here’s a look at some of the top contenders and their odds:
- Scottie Scheffler: +330
- Rory McIlroy: +700
- Aaron Rai: +2800
- J.J. Spaun: +3300
- Davis Thompson: +3300
- Jason Day / Tony Finau / Sungjae Im: +3500
There’s a noticeable gap after Scheffler and McIlroy, giving bettors a chance to look at underdogs with value.
Surprise Picks: Who to Watch (And Who to Avoid)
Fade Alert: Aaron Rai
Despite being one of the higher-ranked players, Aaron Rai may not be a safe pick this week. Even though he finished T-7 at last year’s Houston Open, his putting stats this season have been underwhelming.
Key concerns:
- Ranks 99th in one-putt percentage
- Ranks 128th in putts per round
- Weak in scrambling and short game
According to the SportsLine prediction model, Rai won’t finish in the top 5, making him a risky pick.
Value Pick: Taylor Pendrith
A true dark horse, Taylor Pendrith (odds: +4500) could deliver a big surprise. The model shows he has a much better chance of winning than his long odds suggest.
Why Pendrith could shine:
- 13th in greens-in-regulation
- 3rd in strokes gained: off the tee
- 7th in total driving
- Averages 4.07 birdies per round
His combination of power and accuracy makes him a smart value pick for this event.
What Does the SportsLine Model Predict?
The SportsLine model, created by DFS expert Mike McClure, simulated the tournament 10,000 times. This model has correctly predicted 13 major wins, including the last three Masters, and it’s up nearly $9,000 since the PGA Tour resumed in 2020.
Besides Pendrith, the model is also backing two other longshots (40-1 or higher) to make a serious run at the title. You can view those picks exclusively on SportsLine.
The 2025 Houston Open promises to be an exciting stop on the PGA Tour, with big names like Scheffler and McIlroy leading the charge. While they’re top picks, smart bettors may want to look deeper into the field for value players like Pendrith. With 156 golfers and several emerging talents, this tournament is set to offer surprises—and possibly, a huge payout for sharp-eyed fans.