🎯 Texas Children's Houston Open Long Shots & Sleeper Picks: 3 Outright Bets Longer Than +4000
After world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the 2026 Houston Open field on Tuesday morning, the door is wide open for a sleeper to make a run. Defending champion Min Woo Lee (+1300) is the current betting favorite, but with the "big names" sidelined, we’re hunting for major value in the long-shot market.
My Houston Open long shots and sleeper picks look for longer odds to win this event with the best golfers not in action this weekend at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. The Houston Open begins Thursday, March 26, and will last through Sunday, March 29. Don't miss out on our featured bet, which could turn $10 into $550 by Sunday night.
🎯 Houston Open long-shot picks 2026
Here are our best long-shot golf picks for the 2026 Houston Open based on the odds from our best golf betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale.
| Pick | Best odds | Confidence | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Fox | +5500 via DraftKings | ⭐⭐⭐ | .1 units to win 5.5 |
| Sudarshan Yellamaraju | +6500 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐ | .1 units to win 6.5 |
| Sahith Theegala | +4500 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐ | .1 units to win 4.5 |
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💰 Best Houston Open sleeper bet
Ryan Fox (+5500)
Ryan Fox is a strong value pick to win the Houston Open this weekend, bringing both form and course fit into the spotlight. He’s coming off a stretch of consistent results, including multiple top-25 finishes and a T7 earlier this season, showing he can contend against elite fields.
Fox also finished T-15 here last year, proving he’s comfortable at this event. His length off the tee and elite long-iron play make him a perfect fit for Memorial Park. If he stays steady around the greens, Fox has all the tools to break through and win.
⛳️ Additional Houston Open long shot bet: Ryan Fox First Round Leader (+4500)
Ryan Fox is a strong play to lead after the first round at the Houston Open, thanks to his explosive scoring ability and ideal fit for Memorial Park. He’s one of the longest hitters on Tour, and this course rewards players who can attack off the tee and set up birdie chances early . Fox has also been in excellent form, posting multiple top-25 finishes recently, showing he can start tournaments fast . He finished T-15 here last year, proving his comfort on this layout . If his putter heats up early, Fox has the firepower to post a low number and grab the first-round lead.
🐎 Houston Open dark horse picks
Sudarshan Yellamaraju (+6500)
Sudarshan Yellamaraju is a compelling breakout candidate in our Houston Open picks this weekend, riding a wave of elite recent form. He finished T-5 at the Players Championship two weeks ago, showcasing his ability to compete against the strongest field in golf and close with confidence under pressure. His ball-striking and composure down the stretch were especially impressive, signaling a player ready to take the next step.
Memorial Park rewards length, precision, and all-around consistency - traits that fit Yellamaraju’s game perfectly. With growing confidence and momentum on his side, he has a real chance to break through and capture his first PGA Tour victory. If he maintains his current level tee to green, he’ll be firmly in contention late Sunday.
⛳️ Additional Houston Open long shot bet: Sudarshan Yellamaraju top Canadian player (+250)
Sudarshan Yellamaraju is a strong pick to finish as the top Canadian at the Houston Open, thanks to his recent breakout form and rising confidence. He’s coming off a T-5 finish at The Players Championship, proving he can compete against elite fields and handle pressure on a big stage. Compared to other Canadian contenders, Yellamaraju brings more momentum into this week, which is critical in a wide-open event. His length off the tee and improving putting give him the tools to separate from his peers. If he maintains that form, he has a great chance to lead the Canadian group.
Sahith Theegala (+4500)
Sahith Theegala enters the Houston Open as a strong contender, backed by consistent form and a skill set that fits Memorial Park perfectly. He’s already posted multiple top-10 finishes this season, including a T6 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, showing he can compete against elite fields.
His ability to score in bunches and get hot with the putter is a major advantage, especially on a course where putting has historically separated contenders. While his past Houston results have been modest, he did finish T28 last year and continues trending upward. Theegala’s creativity, confidence, and aggressive approach make him dangerous if he gets into contention. With his current momentum and proven closing ability, this sets up as an ideal spot for him to break through and win.
⛳️ Additional Houston Open long shot bet: Sahith Theegala top North American player (+2700)
Sahith Theegala is a strong pick to win Top North American at the Houston Open thanks to his consistent form and scoring upside. He’s already posted multiple strong finishes this season, including a T6 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, proving he can contend against elite competition. His ability to get hot with the putter is a major edge, as he ranks among the better putters on Tour and can pile up birdies quickly. With a wide-open field this week, Theegala’s aggressive style and confidence give him a great chance to outperform his North American peers.
💵 My betting record for golf picks
All golf picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 7.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 3-7 | -1.1 units ❌ | 54.55% ❌ |
| Long shots (+4500 or higher) | 0-6 | -0.6 units ❌ | 0% ❌ |
💡 How I'm handicapping the Houston Open
I’m targeting three long shots to win the Houston Open because this week’s field presents a rare opportunity for value. With Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy not playing, the tournament feels far more wide open than usual, removing two of the biggest obstacles at the top.
That creates a realistic path for lesser-priced contenders to break through. Instead of chasing short odds, I’m spreading exposure across three high-upside players who have the form and course fit to contend. In a volatile event like this, embracing long shots maximizes potential return while still giving multiple chances to cash.
📜 Houston Open betting history
Here are the recent winners of the Houston Open, along with their 72-hole score and pre-tournament odds:
| 🗓️ Year | 🏆 Winner | 🪧 Score to par | 📊 Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Min Woo Lee | -20 | +3000 |
| 2024 | Stephan Jaeger | -12 | +5000 |
| 2023 | No tournament | ||
| 2022 | Tony Finau | -16 | +1600 |
| 2021 | Jason Kokrak | -10 | +6000 |
| 2020 | Carlos Ortiz | -13 | +15000 |
| 2019 | Lanto Griffin | -14 | +4000 |
| 2018 | Ian Poulter | -19 (playoff) | +8000 |
| 2017 | Russell Henley | -20 | +3000 |
| 2016 | Jim Herman | -15 | Field (+275) |
Historical odds via GolfOdds.com.
⛳ Houston Open tournament info
- Where: Memorial Park Golf Course (Houston)
- When: Thursday, March 26 - Sunday, March 29
- Field: 135
- Cut rule: 36 holes (top 65 and ties)
- Favorite: Min Woo Lee (+1500 via FanDuel)
- Defending champion: Min Woo Lee
- Purse: $9.9 million
- FedEx Cup points: 500
- How to watch: NBC/Golf Channel (ESPN+ for streaming)
📊 Houston Open full-field odds
Here are the odds to win for everyone in the Houston Open field:
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