Koepka Prepares for Masters at Houston Open, Scheffler Withdraws

The Texas Children’s Houston Open is attracting a strong field as players make a final push for Masters qualification. Among those competing is Brooks Koepka, who is using the tournament as a crucial part of his preparation for Augusta.

Scheffler’s Unexpected Withdrawal

A significant change to the field came with the withdrawal of Scottie Scheffler for family reasons. This reshuffling of the lineup adds further intrigue to the tournament.

Koepka’s Form and Equipment Changes

Koepka has been quietly demonstrating solid form in recent weeks, including a T-13 at The Players and a T-18 at the Valspar Championship. He currently leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained: approach. Notably, Koepka has switched to a mallet putter in an effort to improve his short game. I feel like it’s been so different since I was putting so terribly,” Koepka said. I felt like I had to birdie the hole almost from the fairway or from the tee box, where now I can sit back and kind of play golf how I used to play in ’17, ’19, kind of in that run when I was playing very good where I can be very patient and just kind of wait my time.”

Seeking Competitive Play Before Augusta

Koepka emphasized the importance of getting back into contention before the Masters. I really haven’t place myself in contention with nine holes to go. That’s really the last missing piece that I feel like I need to accomplish here before Augusta, he stated. He also acknowledged a desire to get the juices flowing of having a chance to win a golf tournament.”

French Contingent in the Field

Matthieu Pavon and Adrien Saddier are also competing this week, seeking to capitalize on the opportunity to gain valuable points for signature tournament qualification. Pavon will tee off alongside Chad Ramey and Nick Dunlap, while Saddier will begin his round from the 10th tee.

Featured Groups

Several notable groupings are set for Thursday’s first round:

• Brooks Koepka, Michael Thorbjornsen, Jake Knapp (6:53 PM HF)
• Min-Woo Lee, Tony Finau, Adam Scott (6:42 PM HF)
• Shane Lowry, Chris Gotterup (1:42 PM HF)
• Matthieu Pavon, Chad Ramey, Nick Dunlap (1:31 PM HF)
• Adrien Saddier (2:59 PM HF)

Tournament Details

The 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open is being held at Memorial Park in Houston, Texas. Coverage begins on Golf Channel and PGA Tour Live on ESPN+.