Top 6 Betting Picks for the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park

The PGA TOUR heads to Texas ahead of TheMasters, starting with the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park. This long par-70 layout rewards players who can drive it far and take advantage of scoring chances throughout the round.

With a 133-player field and a top-65-and-ties cut, there's still plenty of betting value to uncover.Scottie Schefflerwas expected to headline the field but withdrew, opening the door for others to step into the spotlight. Course history and strong iron play remain key here, and these six best bets are built to capitalize on a wide-open board at Memorial Park.

All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.

Davis Thompson Round 1 Leader (+6,900)

He's been much better on Thursdays this season and opened with a 66 at Valspar last week, showing he can go low early. His power off the tee is adequate enough Memorial Park, setting up ample of scoring chances. While he's less reliable over four rounds, his early-round scoring ability makes him a strong first-round leader target.

Marco Penge Top-20 Finish (+152)

Penge's elite power off the tee makes him a great fit for Memorial Park, where distance is a major advantage. He's also trending in the right direction after a T4 finish at Valspar. With his biggest strength lining up perfectly for this course, he has a strong chance to stay in contention and finish inside the top 20.

Kurt Kitayama Top-10 Finish (+230)

His power off the tee and consistent iron play make him a great fit for Memorial Park. He rarely loses strokes on approach, creating plenty of birdie opportunities. With solid recent form, he's trending in the right direction. If that continues, he has the tools to stay in contention and finish inside the top 10.

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Chris Gotterup Top-5 Finish (+410)

His power off the tee fits Memorial Park perfectly, where distance is a huge advantage. He's already proven he can win this season and continues to rank among the best drivers on Tour. With improved results here and growing confidence, the upside is real. If he gets hot, he has the scoring ability to make a serious run at a top-five finish.

Michael Thorbjornsen to Win (+3,200)

His power off the tee is a perfect fit for Memorial Park, where distance is a major advantage. He's already shown he can contend in big events and continues to put himself in position. With less emphasis on wedge play and more on driving and scrambling, this setup plays to his strengths. If he keeps trending upward, this could be the week it all comes together.

Gary Woodland to Win (+9,400)

His game is trending in the right direction after a T14 finish at Valspar, and his power off the tee is a perfect fit for Memorial Park. He's already shown success here, including a runner-up finish last year. On a course that plays to his strengths, he can lean on his biggest weapon. If the momentum continues, he has the upside to make a serious run at a big number.

One-And-Done Play of the Week

If you play in a "one-and-done" league, the idea is simple: You get to use each golfer once all season, so picking the right spot matters.

Ryan Gerard is a great one-week option with a game that fits Memorial Park perfectly. His iron play has been excellent, especially on longer courses, and he's already proven he can handle this track with a top-10 finish here last year. He's also been consistent this season with multiple strong finishes. With his ball-striking and course comfort, he's a solid pick to deliver value this week.

Last Week's Result

Valspar: Sahith Theegala MC – $0Season Total: $2,464,089

This story was originally published byAthlon Sportson Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in theSports Bettingsection. Add Athlon Sports as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

byAlpha World

in

March 25, 2026

Top 6 Betting Picks for the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park

The PGA TOUR heads to Texas ahead of TheMasters, starting with the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park. Th...

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6 DFS Fantasy Golf Picks for the Texas Children's Houston Open

Before the PGA TOUR heads to Augusta for TheMasters, the Texas swing kicks off with the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park. This long par-70 layout favors distance off the tee, with minimal rough and limited hazards allowing bombers to take advantage.

With a 133-player field and a top-65 cut (plus ties), finding the right DFS value is key. Course history matters here, and strong iron play and putting have consistently led to success. With big greens, tricky runoffs, and scoring opportunities on par 3s and 4s, targeting the right skill sets is crucial. These six DFS picks are built to capitalize on Memorial Park's unique layout and deliver strong lineup upside.

This article reveals my favorite target at each price level on DraftKings. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.

Chris Gotterup ($9,800)

Gotterup's power game fits Memorial Park perfectly, where distance is a major advantage. He's one of the longest hitters on Tour and has already shown winning upside this season. He's also had success on similar setups, including a solid finish here before. If he's swinging freely, this course gives him plenty of chances to score and deliver strong DFS value.

Brooks Koepka ($9,600)

Koepka's ball-striking has been sharp lately, and the putting is trending in the right direction. He's also very comfortable at Memorial Park after helping redesign the course with Tom Doak, giving him a unique edge. The layout fits his game well, especially off the tee and on approach. If he avoids the big mistakes, the upside is there for a strong DFS performance.

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Michael Thorbjornsen ($8,600)

Thorbjornsen's power off the tee is a perfect fit for Memorial Park, where distance is a major advantage. He's shown he can contend in big spots and keeps putting himself in position to break through. With fewer demands on wedge play and more emphasis on driving and scrambling, this setup plays to his strengths. If he keeps trending upward, the upside for a strong DFS performance is definitely there.

Stephan Jaeger ($7,800)

Jaeger has a proven track record at Memorial Park, including a win in 2024 and multiple top-15 finishes, making this a great spot for him. His length off the tee and strong putting fit the course perfectly, and he's coming in with solid recent form after a T7 finish last week. With a game that matches the layout and confidence on this track, he offers both safety and upside for DFS lineups.

Jordan Smith ($7,400)

He's trending in the right direction with elite ball-striking and a breakout showing at Valspar, where he led the field in greens in regulation. His strength off the tee and on approach fits Memorial Park perfectly, a course that rewards strong drivers. He's proven he can compete at a high level and offers great DFS value. If the irons stay sharp, the upside is definitely there this week.

Seonghyeon Kim ($6,900)

Kim is coming in with solid momentum after a well-rounded T7 at Valspar, where he showed off improved putting and all-around scoring. He's been sharp across the board, ranking well in approach, birdies and around-the-green play. While his course history at Memorial Park is modest, his current form stands out. If the putter stays hot, he offers strong DFS value with the ability to quietly climb the leaderboard.

This story was originally published byAthlon Sportson Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in theSports Bettingsection. Add Athlon Sports as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

byAlpha World

in

March 25, 2026

6 DFS Fantasy Golf Picks for the Texas Children's Houston Open

Before the PGA TOUR heads to Augusta for TheMasters, the Texas swing kicks off with the Texas Children's Houston Open...

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Nikola Jokic has 23 points, knocks down late bucket to send Nuggets over Suns 125-123

PHOENIX (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 17 rebounds and tied a season high with 17 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets over the Phoenix Suns 125-123 on Tuesday night.

Nuggets Suns Basketball

Jokic made the go-ahead basket, knocking down a 12-foot jumper with 11.5 seconds left. Phoenix's Devin Booker got a good look at a potential winning 3-pointer, but it bounced off the rim.

The Suns trailed 117-109 with 3:19 left, but methodically worked their way back. Booker made a tough jumper in the lane to tie the game at 123 with 30.2 seconds remaining. He had 22 points and eight assists.

Jokic had his NBA-leading 29th triple-double of the season by early in the third quarter. The three-time MVP shot 9 of 16 from the field and delivered several pinpoint passes, including one that went the full length of the court for a layup by Christian Braun.

The Nuggets have fought injuries for most of the season, but are now close to full strength. Jamal Murray had 21 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 18 off the bench.

Denver had a 10-point lead at halftime, but Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen made back-to-back 3s late in the third to help Phoenix cut the deficit to 97-95 heading into the fourth. Allen and Jalen Green both had 21 points.

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The Nuggets have won six of their last eight games and are 1 1/2 games behind the Lakers for the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

The sliding Suns have dropped six of seven and face an uphill battle to avoid the play-in tournament. They're currently the No. 7 team in the West.

Jokic — who picked up an early technical foul after heated comments toward referee Dannica Baroody — had 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists before the halftime break.

Up next

Nuggets: Host the Mavericks on Wednesday.

Suns: Host the Jazz on Saturday.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

byAlpha World

in

March 25, 2026

Nikola Jokic has 23 points, knocks down late bucket to send Nuggets over Suns 125-123

PHOENIX (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 17 rebounds and tied a season high with 17 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets ...

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Asia looks to COVID-era playbook to tackle fuel crisis

March 25 (Reuters) - Countries across Asia are weighing up work-from-home policies and stimulus measures enforced during the COVID pandemic, as they scramble to respond to global fuel shortages triggered by the Iran war.

FILE PHOTO: An oil products tanker passes the Sydney Opera House at sunrise in Sydney

Asia is at the frontline of the fuel crisis, buying more than 80% of the crude that transits the Strait of Hormuz, ‌which has been almost totally blocked by Iran since the war broke out on February 28.

No country in the region has enforced work-from-home measures yet, but some have said ‌they are on the table.

"I think it is a good idea," South Korean Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan said on Tuesday when asked about an International Energy Agency recommendation for people to work from home.

The IEA, which agreed a record release ​of around 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles to deal with the crisis, has outlined proposals to ease oil price pressures such as working from home and avoiding air travel.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol repeated those calls at a conference in Sydney this week.

"There were real-life tests, such as after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, European countries adopted these measures, and it was announced by the European governments. It helped them a lot to go through these difficult times without Russian energy ... but keeping the lights on," Birol said.

Industrial powerhouse South Korea on Tuesday launched a public campaign asking people to cut ‌shower time, charge phones during the day and run vacuums on weekends.

"We ⁠will consult with relevant ministries and actively consider measures for work-from-home," Energy Minister Kim told a briefing.

The Philippines, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil for its energy needs, shortened the work week in some government offices earlier this month. President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency ⁠saying the conflict poses an "imminent danger" to the country's energy supply.

Pakistan closed schools for two weeks and said office workers would work more from home. The island nation of Sri Lanka declared a public holiday every Wednesday to help make its fuel supplies go further.

Singapore, an Asian financial hub, urged people and businesses to switch to energy-efficient appliances, use electric vehicles and set the temperature higher on their air conditioners.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin ​Charnvirakul ​ordered bureaucrats to suspend overseas trips, set air conditioning temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), avoid suits ​and ties, use stairs instead of elevators, and work from home.

COST-OF-LIVING RELIEF

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Some countries ‌have turned to stimulus measures as rising fuel costs bite into household budgets.

The Japanese government said on Tuesday it plans to tap 800 billion yen ($5 billion) in reserve funds to finance subsidies aimed at keeping gasoline prices at about 170 yen per litre on average. The measure would cost as much as 300 billion yen per month.

New Zealand said on Tuesday that it would provide temporary financial support of NZ$50 ($29.30) every week from April for low-income families.

"We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief," New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.

In neighbouring Australia hundreds of petrol stations are running dry from panic buying and shortages, which are acutely hitting the remote regional areas of the vast continent.

The centre-left government introduced ‌legislation in the parliament to double penalties for fuel price gouging.

Several Asian countries have also released petrol and diesel ​from domestic reserves and temporarily loosened gasoline and diesel quality standards to increase supply.

POLICY DILEMMA

The glaring contrast with the ​pandemic, however, is that central banks are not rushing to cut interest rates. In fact, ​they are considering hikes.

During the pandemic, demand collapsed as many economies were essentially shuttered for health reasons, so policymakers responded with massive stimulus.

Now, the Reserve ‌Bank of Australia has already hiked rates twice this year. It cited energy ​risks as a material risk to inflation and ​a reason for raising rates to a 10-month high last week.

Investors expect Japan, Britain and Europe will all raise rates in coming months, and pressure on Asian economies may be even more acute as their currencies slip against the dollar.

"Central banks face a classic policy dilemma when oil prices surge – inflation rises but growth might weaken," Jennifer McKeown, chief global ​economist at Capital Economics, said in a note last week.

"The right response ‌depends crucially on why oil prices are rising, how persistent the shock is, and whether inflation expectations are at risk," she added.

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal and Wayne ​Cole in Sydney, Jack Kim in Seoul, Xinghui Kok and Tom Westbrook in Singapore, Lucy Craymer in Wellington, Makiko Yamazaki in Tokyo, Karen Lema in Philippines, Chayut Setboonsarng ​in Bangkok and Tanvi Mehta in New Delhi; writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Stephen Coates)

byAlpha World

in

March 25, 2026

Asia looks to COVID-era playbook to tackle fuel crisis

March 25 (Reuters) - Countries across Asia are weighing up work-from-home policies and stimulus measures enforced during ...

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Kim Jong Un uses Iran war to justify North Korea’s decision to keep its nuclear weapons

North Korea'sKim Jong Unhas said the United States'war with Iranproves his country made the right decision to keep its nuclear weapons.

In a speech to North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly published on Tuesday, Kim accused Washington of "acts of state sponsored terrorism and aggression," but did not mention Iran by name.

"The present situation clearly proves" that North Korea was justified in rejecting what he described as US pressure and "sweet talk" to give up its nuclear arsenal, Kim said. He added that North Korea's nuclear status is now "irreversible."

US President Donald Trump has previously claimed Iran posed an "imminent" threat to the US, months after declaring the US had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities. Trump has cited preventing Iran from building a nuclear bomb as one of his reasons for launching strikes on the country.

For North Korea's leadership, the Iran conflict reinforces a long-held belief that countries without nuclear weapons are exposed to US military power, while those with them can deter it.

The timing of Kim's speech is significant. Trump has recently signaled he is open to restarting talks with Kim, reviving a diplomatic track that collapsed in 2019.

Kim's latest remarks suggest any future meeting would look very different from past summits that focused on denuclearization. He has indicated he is willing to engage with Trump again, but only if the US accepts North Korea as a nuclear power and abandons what Pyongyang calls its "hostile policy."

North Korea is widely believed to have assembled dozens of nuclear warheads, and,unlike Iran or Venezuela, it claims to possess operational nuclear weapons and delivery systems capable of reaching anywhere in the mainland US, although they have never been fully tested.

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Recently, North Korea showcased a series of high-profile weapons tests, including cruise missile launches from a new warship and barrages of what state media described as nuclear-capable rockets. Speaking to the Workers' Party Congress last month, Kimpromised to expandhis country's nuclear arsenal, calling it the party's "firm will" to increase both the number of weapons and the means to deploy them.

Kim has also put his teenage daughter, believed to be namedKim Ju Ae, at thecenter of these displays, signaling that North Korea's nuclear program is not only permanent, but generational.

At the same time, Pyongyang is strengthening ties with Moscow. Russian state television has airedfootage of North Korean troopstraining near the Ukrainian front, portraying the relationship as a strong anti-US partnership and emphasizing growing military cooperation.

The relationship hasgrown more consequentialand North Korea's role in Russia's war in Ukraine has become central to Pyongyang's propaganda. Kim agreed to supply artillery shells and rockets and deployed thousands of troops to support Russia's war effort.

In return, analysts say Pyongyang has received food, fuel and potentially sensitive military technology, along with battlefield data that helps North Korea refine its weapons.

That alignment adds another layer of complexity for Washington. It suggests North Korea is not operating in isolation, but as part of a broader network of countries pushing back against US influence.

Despite the hardline tone, Kim has not completely shut the door on diplomacy — at the recent workers' party congress, Kim lefta narrow openingfor talks with Washington.

But his conditions are clear: talks with the United States may be possible, but giving up nuclear weapons is not.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byAlpha World

in

March 25, 2026

Kim Jong Un uses Iran war to justify North Korea’s decision to keep its nuclear weapons

North Korea'sKim Jong Unhas said the United States'war with Iranproves his country made the right decision to kee...

Read More