2024 LIV Golf Houston Preview: Field, Odds, Course Condition and more

LIV Golf Houston brings the breakaway league back to action after a month-long hiatus. The tournament will be held at the Golf Club of Houston, a course with a rich history as the site of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open from 2003 to 2019. 

The LIV Golf Houston is filled with stiff competition from a field that includes several LIV stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, PJoaquin Niemann and Jon Rahm.

Interestingly, five current LIV players have won titles on the course in the past, including Anthony Kim (2010), Phil Mickelson (2011) and Ian Poulter (2018), further highlighting the course’s suitability for the LIV format.

The LIV Golf Houston boasts a total purse of $25 million, with the winner taking home a whopping $4 million. This event serves as a crucial tune-up for many players heading into next week’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, and the winner will undoubtedly be looking to carry his momentum into the major championship.

Weather and Course Condition for the LIV Golf Houston

The Golf Club of Houston, located in Texas, is a renowned venue known for its challenging yet fair layout. Designed by Rees Jones and David Toms, this public course opened in 2003, under the name of Redstone Golf Club. 

The course is a par 72, stretching over 7,500 yards, demanding precision and strategic play from the competitors. Its layout features a mix of lengthy par 4s, reachable par 5s, and tricky par 3s, all set against the backdrop of the lush Texan landscape.

The course’s design emphasizes precision iron play and solid putting, critical components for success here. Notable features include water hazards on several holes, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that challenge even the most skilled golfers.

The expected weather during the LIV GOlf Houston will play a significant role in shaping the play and outcomes. Houston in June typically experiences warm and humid conditions, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit.

Wind conditions are expected to be moderate, with breezes coming from the southeast, potentially affecting play on certain holes. The humidity and heat will test the players’ endurance and physical conditioning, while any rain could soften the greens, making them more receptive to approach shots. 

The Field

The LIV Golf Houston will feature some of the biggest names in golf, with a thrilling competition at the Golf Club of Houston. Jon Rahm is one of the top contenders. He’s consistently finished in the top 10 of every LIV event this season, and he’s a joint favorite with Bryson DeChambeau, who’s also priced at 8-1.

DeChambeau is back in the field after a great showing at the PGA Championship, where he proved he can compete at the highest level. Other notable participants include Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Champion, who is coming off a T2 finish in Singapore and leads the Ripper GC team.

Also in the mix is Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion and the most recent LIV Golf winner in Singapore. He’s aiming for another strong showing ahead of the US Open.

Cameron Smith, a key player for Ripper GC, has been on a hot streak with two consecutive team wins in Adelaide and Singapore. His odds of 12-1 reflect his recent form and his strategic play around the greens, which could be crucial on the challenging Houston course.

Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton are also in the running at 10-1 and 14-1, respectively, and they’ll be adding some extra depth to the field. Hatton, known for his competitive spirit and solid all-around game, will be looking to make his mark in Houston.

Talor Gooch, the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion, is also back with high hopes, thanks to his recent success and consistent performance.

The elite field for the LIV Golf Houston also includes veterans like Phil Mickelson, a six-time major winner, and Dustin Johnson, a two-time major champion. Mickelson’s experience and strategic know-how will be key on a course that calls for precise iron play.

Patrick Reed, a Houston native, adds a local favorite element to the LIV Golf Houston, though he is still seeking his first LIV Tour title. 

Expert and Sleeper Picks

Expert Picks:

Jon Rahm (8-1): Jon Rahm is a favorite going into the LIV Golf Houston, and for good reason. Rahm has consistently finished in the top 10 of every LIV event this season, showcasing his reliability and high-level performance.

His strengths lie in his powerful drives and precise iron play, which are well-suited to the long and demanding layout of the Golf Club of Houston. Rahm’s recent form, including a victory at the 2023 Masters, underscores his ability to compete under pressure and in diverse conditions.

With a strong all-around game and a competitive edge, Rahm is a top pick for this event.

Cameron Smith (12-1): Cameron Smith is another strong contender, known for his excellent short game and ability to handle pressure situations. Smith has been in great form recently, with a T2 finish in Singapore and leading his team, Ripper GC, to consecutive wins.

His adeptness around the greens and strategic play make him a serious threat on the Golf Club of Houston course, which demands precision and creativity. Smith’s performance in majors and his experience in high-stakes environments make him a reliable pick for the LIV Golf Houston.

Sleeper Picks:

Sergio Garcia (40-1): Sergio Garcia is a sleeper pick who could surprise many this week. Garcia has been one of the best iron players throughout his career and continues to excel in this area in his LIV Golf tenure.

Although he has faced playoff losses, his consistent performance and familiarity with the Golf Club of Houston—where he never missed a cut on the PGA Tour and secured a tie for third—make him a strong candidate.

Garcia’s residence in Austin and his solid track record in Texas add to his potential for a breakthrough win. If Garcia finds his putting form, he could be a significant contender​​.

Sebastian Muñoz (65-1): Sebastian Muñoz is another intriguing sleeper pick. Known for his aggressive playstyle, Muñoz often starts strong but struggles to maintain his momentum throughout the tournament.

His ability to post low rounds, if coupled with a more conservative approach to limit mistakes, could see him in the mix this week. Muñoz’s potential to go low and his capacity to adjust his strategy make him a dark horse worth watching at the Golf Club of Houston​​.

The upcoming LIV Golf Houston tournament promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing some of the biggest names in golf on the challenging course at the Golf Club of Houston.

With a field featuring top contenders like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka, the LIV Golf Houston is set to be intense. The course’s demanding layout will test the players’ skills, particularly their iron play and putting, which have historically been key to success here.