Houston, Texas, March 29, 2026
Gary Woodland claimed victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open with an impressive score of 259, finishing 21 under par. Securing a five-stroke lead over Nicolai Højgaard, Woodland added this win to his remarkable career, especially following his recent health challenges, including brain surgery. The tournament, held at Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, featured a total purse of $9,900,000. This significant win is Woodland’s first at the Houston Open and highlights his resilience as a player.
Houston, Texas – Gary Woodland has emerged victorious at the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open, finishing with an impressive score of 259, 21 under par, to secure a five-stroke win over Nicolai Højgaard. The tournament took place at Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, boasting a total purse of $9,900,000, with Woodland’s winnings amounting to $1,782,000.
Woodland’s stellar performance throughout the event included a notable third-round score of 65, which propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. This victory is particularly significant for Woodland, marking his first win at the Houston Open and adding to his previous championship title from the 2019 U.S. Open. His triumph is even more remarkable considering the health challenges he has faced, including brain surgery in September 2023 to remove a benign tumor, as well as a recent PTSD diagnosis.
The final leaderboard for the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open featured a range of competitors, with Nicolai Højgaard finishing second at 264 and Jason Day coming in third at 265. The top positions included:
| Position | Player | Score | Payout ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gary Woodland | 259 | 1,782,000 |
| 2 | Nicolai Højgaard | 264 | 1,079,100 |
| 3 | Jason Day | 265 | 683,100 |
| 4 | Sam Stevens | 266 | 500,000 |
| 5 | Michael Thorbjornsen | 267 | 400,000 |
| 6 | Min Woo Lee | 268 | 350,000 |
| 7 | Scottie Scheffler | 269 | 300,000 |
| 8 | Tony Finau | 270 | 250,000 |
| 9 | Hideki Matsuyama | 271 | 200,000 |
| 10 | Collin Morikawa | 272 | 150,000 |
The Texas Children’s Houston Open has been a staple in the professional golf circuit since its establishment in 1946, held annually in Houston, Texas, at the Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course, which measures 7,432 yards and is a par 70 course. This year’s tournament was particularly noteworthy due to the absence of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who withdrew to prioritize family commitments ahead of the birth of his second child, having been a strong contender in previous years.
Overall, the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open exemplified exceptional talent within the sport, with Woodland’s remarkable victory standing as a symbol of resilience and skill.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open?
Gary Woodland won the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open with a final score of 259, 21 under par.
What was the purse for the tournament?
The total purse for the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open was $9,900,000.
What was Gary Woodland’s prize money for winning?
Gary Woodland took home $1,782,000 as the winner’s share.
When was the last time Gary Woodland won a major title before this event?
Gary Woodland previously won the U.S. Open in 2019.
Why was Scottie Scheffler absent from the tournament?
Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the tournament due to family reasons, specifically the imminent birth of his second child.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gary Woodland Wins Texas Children’s Houston Open
Jake Knapp Ties Course Record at Memorial Park Golf Course
Gary Woodland Takes Lead at Houston Open Amidst Mental Health Challenges
Chris Gotterup Dominates Texas Children’s Houston Open
Paul Waring Takes Early Lead at Texas Children’s Houston Open
Texas Children’s Houston Open Day One Highlights
Paul Waring Takes Lead at Texas Children’s Houston Open
Pierceson Coody Withdraws from Houston Open Due to Injury
Paul Waring Takes Early Lead at Houston Open
Texas Children’s Houston Open Begins Second Round
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
