Houston Open Rescheduled for November 2-8 to Accommodate Masters

As the PGA Tour continues to adjust its calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Houston Open has become the latest tournament to alter its start time. 

The tournament has now been moved to November 2 to 8, clearing the way for The Masters to take place unimpeded from November 9 to 15. Previously the Houston Open was scheduled to take place from November 9 to 15. 

The tournament is set to be held at Memorial Park Golf Course with the Astros Golf Foundation returning as the hosts for the second straight year. In a statement announcing the change, Astros Golf Foundation President Giles Kibbe said he is excited to host a strong field while cautioning that the top priority remains playing in a safe environment. 

"We emphasize that this is all incumbent upon the direction of the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and local health officials," Kibbe said. "We understand that our number one priority continues to be the healthy and safety of all."

Kibbe did not make any mention of whether the tournament will remain open to the public. 

The PGA Tour has suffered drastic changes to its schedule, with the British Open officially canceling its 2020 tournament on Monday. The PGA Championship is now scheduled to serve as the first major tournament on the calendar this summer with an August 6 start date. 

While still dependent on CDC guidelines and state and federal mandates, golfers are hoping the new tournament lineup will allow for return to play sooner than later. 

In the case of the Houston Open, last year saw a $7.5 million purse up for grabs with a $1.35 million first-place prize. After being held the week before The Masters for 11 years until 2018, the new schedule allows for the tournament to retake its place as the final tune-up before one of the sport's marquee events.