The Texas Children’s Houston Open 2025, taking place at the Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, Texas, from 27 to 30 March, has gathered some of the most prominent names in world golf in one of the last stops of the PGA Tour before the Masters Tournament. Among the stars of this edition are the World Number One, Scottie Scheffler, and Number 2, Rory McIlroy, who are looking to fine-tune their game and, in the process, claim a share of the lucrative prize money offered by the tournament. With a total of 9.5 million dollars at stake, this event is not only a trial by fire for those aspiring to the first major of the year but also an opportunity to pocket a considerable cheque. Below, we detail the prize distribution and what the top three finishers will take home.
A tournament with history and big names
The Texas Children’s Houston Open, which returned to the spring calendar of the PGA Tour a few years ago following a course renovation designed by Tom Doak in 2019, has established itself as a key event. This year, the presence of Scheffler, winner of seven official PGA Tour tournaments in 2024 and defending champion at Augusta, and McIlroy, recent winner of the THE PLAYERS Championship, has elevated the level of competition. Both have arrived with impressive records in the tournament: Scheffler has two runner-up finishes and a T9 in his last three appearances, while McIlroy returns to Houston for the first time since 2014. Alongside them, names like Stephan Jaeger (defending champion), Tony Finau, and Wyndham Clark add more excitement to the battle for the top positions.
Memorial Park, a municipal course with a par of 70 and 7,475 yards, favours long and accurate hitters, which naturally puts Scheffler and McIlroy as favourites. Besides the prestige and the 500 FedExCup points at stake, the winner secures a pass to the Masters if not already qualified, although this does not apply to the established stars in the field.
Prize distribution: the podium cheques
The total purse of 9.5 million dollars is distributed among the top 65 finishers and ties after the cut, with a structure that generously rewards the best. Here is the breakdown for the top three positions:
- 1st place: 1,710,000 dollars
The champion takes home a cheque of 1.71 million, a figure that reflects the tournament’s importance in the PGA Tour calendar. For Scheffler or McIlroy, this amount would add to their already impressive earnings in 2025, while for an emerging contender, it would be a significant economic and professional boost. - 2nd place: 1,035,500 dollars
The runner-up receives just over a million dollars, a sum that remains very attractive. In a tournament where Scheffler has finished second in the past, this position could be a minimum target for the Texan if he does not manage to clinch victory. - 3rd place: 655,500 dollars
The third-place finisher pockets 655,500 dollars, a prize that, although smaller compared to the top two, is still notable and rewards performance in such a competitive field.
Beyond the podium
The rest of the top 10 also receive six-figure amounts, with the tenth place taking 258,875 dollars, while even the 65th place secures just over 20,000 dollars. This distribution highlights the depth of the field and the importance of staying in the fight until the end.
A prelude to the Masters with much at stake
As the tournament progresses towards its final round this Sunday, 30 March, the focus is not only on who will lift the trophy but also on how this result could influence expectations for Augusta. For Scheffler, a home victory would confirm that he is ready to defend his green jacket. For McIlroy, a good performance could solidify his bid to complete the career Grand Slam. And for the rest, like Jaeger or the rising young talents, it is a golden opportunity to shine on an elite stage.
The Texas Children’s Houston Open 2025 not only offers a top-level sporting spectacle but also a prize fund that ensures every shot counts, especially for those reaching the podium. With 1.71 million for the winner, 1.035 million for the second, and 655,500 dollars for the third, the tension on the leaderboard is guaranteed until the last putt. Who will take the biggest cheque? The answers will soon come from Houston.
*Article prepared with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence
