Four Tied at Top as Scheffler Makes Bogey-Free Start

The 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open opened with a weather-beaten first round that saw four players share the lead while the world’s top-ranked golfer lurked dangerously close behind. As rain and wind battered Memorial Park Golf Course, Scottie Scheffler delivered a statement performance in his final competitive start before defending his Masters title next month.

Scheffler’s Steady Climb Toward Augusta

The world No. 1 carded a bogey-free 3-under 67 despite challenging conditions, positioning himself just two strokes behind the quartet of early leaders. Scheffler’s round showcased the kind of disciplined golf that has become his trademark, particularly impressive given this marks just his sixth start of the season following an offseason hand injury.

“I felt like I started to play a little bit better on the back nine,” Scheffler said after his round. “The first nine, I was kind of getting it around a little bit, but still posted a score today. Conditions were pretty tough out there with the rain and the wind, so overall nice to keep a clean card.”

The round marked Scheffler’s third bogey-free effort of 2025, all coming since his return from injury. After scrambling to save par several times on his front nine, the Texan caught fire with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 13 and 14, including a 37-foot bomb that brought the soaked gallery to life.

Four-Way Tie Atop Crowded Leaderboard

Sharing the first-round lead at 5-under 65 are Taylor Pendrith, Keith Mitchell, Ryan Gerard, and Alejandro Tosti. Each player conquered the elements in different fashion, setting up an intriguing battle heading into Friday’s second round.

Tosti’s performance carries particular narrative weight. The fiery Argentinian nearly won here last year before a final-hole collapse that ultimately cost him his PGA Tour card. After regaining status through Q-School, he’s playing with visible determination at a course that clearly suits his game.

“It’s crazy how one shot can change everything,” Tosti reflected on last year’s heartbreak. “That one shot ended up costing me majors, elevated events, and my card. I’m here to make different memories this time.”

International Contenders Loom Large

A strong international contingent sits just one stroke off the pace at 4-under, led by Australia’s Min Woo Lee. The charismatic 26-year-old made a last-minute decision to add Houston to his schedule and immediately validated that choice with a seven-birdie performance.

Lee arrives fresh off a strong showing at The Players Championship where he held the 36-hole lead before fading on the weekend. His ball-striking prowess makes him a serious threat if he can maintain consistency over four rounds – something he admits has been a career-long challenge.

McIlroy’s Mixed Bag in Houston Debut

Rory McIlroy’s first competitive round at Memorial Park produced an even-par 70 that left the four-time major champion wanting more. The world No. 2 struggled early in the rainy conditions, missing four consecutive greens at one point, before steadying the ship on his back nine.

“A little pedestrian,” McIlroy summarized. “We had to deal with those rainy conditions early on – not too pleasant to play in. Made a few par saves I needed to, then left quite a few chances out there on the second nine.”

Most concerning for McIlroy was his putting, where he lost two strokes to the field. With this being his final start before another attempt at completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta, all eyes will be on whether he can find his stroke on the greens Friday.

Weather Challenges Continue

Forecasts suggest players will face similar difficult conditions in Friday’s second round, with rain expected throughout the morning and winds potentially gusting to 20 mph. The combination of Memorial Park’s firm, fast greens and blustery conditions could lead to higher scores and a premium on ball-striking accuracy.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament moves into its second day, several compelling storylines bear watching. Can Scheffler maintain his bogey-free momentum? Will one of the four leaders separate from the pack? And how will McIlroy adjust after his underwhelming start? With Masters invitations on the line and players desperate for momentum heading to Augusta, the Houston Open promises compelling theater through the weekend.

The second round begins Friday at 7:30 AM local time, with featured groups including Scheffler’s mid-morning tee time and McIlroy’s afternoon pairing. Golf Channel will carry live coverage beginning at 3 PM ET.

P.S. Memorial Park’s greens (running at 12.5+) are about to meet 20mph winds Friday.