Golfer Gary Woodland putts in his final shot to win the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open while spectators of all ages looked on. Photo: Sophia Lannie.
This year, the Texas Children’s Houston Open, a stop on the Professional Golfers’ Association tour, has seen increased youth engagement due to specific outreach efforts.
Giles Kibbe, president of the Astros Golf Foundation, said that Texas Children’s Hospital, the event’s title sponsor starting in 2024, have dedicated themselves to boosting youth engagement.
“They’re going to do a lot of fun things through this tournament to showcase what they’re doing, we’ve got a lot of kids involved” he said. “The Texas Children’s Houston Open is about more than great golf. It’s about making a meaningful impact in our community.”
Hosted March 23-29 in Houston’s Memorial Park, the tournament included autograph zones for kids, a family care zone, a Jr. Clubhouse, free admission for those under 15, and a 50% off college student discount.
Audrey Weadick, a college student in attendance, said she is a lifelong fan of golf.
She said she was introduced to the sport through her family.
“I think the energy in person, it’s so different from watching it on TV, and it really makes, kind of, the experience worth it.”
Golfer Min Woo Lee, a previous champion of the tournament, drew much attention from the younger attendees, Weadick said.
Chevron Center for Education and Golf, made to help young Houstonians learn about STEM through golf, was open to the public at the event.
This year, Texas Children’s partnered with Astros Golf Foundation to start a program called “Cleats for Kids,” where several golfers in the tournament wore golf shoes designed by Texas Children’s patients.
The Houston Open this year reported a new attendance record.