Some Big Names Need Big Weeks in Houston to Get Into the Masters

There are nearly 20 different ways for players to earn an invitation into the Masters, one of which is to be ranked inside the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking during the week prior to the tournament.

The Texas Children’s Houston Open is one of the last chances for the pros to get dialed in for the year’s first major, but it’s also one of the last chances for players to earn a spot on the tee sheet.

There are several household names in the golf world playing at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston this week who need a win or high finish to cement their spot in the OWGR top 50 and earn a spot at Augusta.

Here are five of the most notable names who need to contend this weekend (shout-out Paul Hodowanic for the details).

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5 Big Names Who Need Big Weeks at Houston Open

Rickie Fowler

Rickie Fowler. Masters 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Fowler tied for 30th at last year’s Masters, his first appearance at the event since the November edition in late 2020. Currently ranked at No. 105 in the OWGR, Fowler needs a win in Houston to move high enough to get into this year’s edition.

Jake Knapp

Jake Knapp. Masters 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Knapp made his Masters debut last season thanks to his win in Mexico. At 85th in the world, the Cali kid needs a runner-up finish or better.

Si Woo Kim

Si Woo Kim. Masters 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ranked 66th, Kim needs to finish solo-third or better in Houston to get into the Masters.

Michael Kim

Michael Kim. Masters 2019. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kim has played some great golf this year and is now up to 52nd in the world. For him to get an invite, he needs to finish inside the top 50.

Ben Griffin

Ben Griffin. Arnold Palmer Invitational 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Griffin has been a road warrior this season. This week in Houston is his 12th straight start on TOUR. Ranked 53rd in the world, Griffin needs a solo-28th finish or better to get into the Masters for the first time.