Players to watch, tee times.
The Vivint Houston Open begins Thursday at Memorial Park. Here are some key players to watch:
DUSTIN JOHNSON
Age: 36.
Notable: 2020 PGA Tour Player of the Year and FedEx Cup champion is No. 1 in world golf rankings. … 23 tour wins include 2016 U.S. Open. … In only start in 2021wraparound fall season, finished tied for sixth at U.S. Open, where he led field in driving distance.
BROOKS KOEPKA
Age: 30.
Notable: No. 8 in world golf rankings. … Of seven PGA Tour wins, four have come in majors. … Has an added seven International wins. … Member of 2016 and 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup teams as well as 2017 Presidents Cup. … Player consultant on Tom Doak’s redesign of Memorial Park Golf Course.
PHIL MICKELSON
Age: 50.
Notable: Has 44 PGA Tour wins starting in 1991 and including 2011 Houston Open. … Has picked up two victories this year on PGA Tour Champions. … Winner of five majors. … Reached No. 1 in FedEx Cup points in 2009 and No. 2 in world golf rankings in 2013.
ADAM SCOTT Age: Notable:
40.
2007 Houston Open victory among 14 PGA Tour wins. … Has played well in Texas, also winning 2008 Byron Nelson and 2010 Texas Open. … Made nine of 10 cuts in 2020, with a win in Genesis Invitational.
TONY FINAU
Age: 31.
Notable: Game is getting better as he ages. … Share of eighth place at U.S. Open in September was third consecutive top 10 in majors. … Coming off an 11th place at ZoZo Championship. … Lone tour win came in 2016 Puerto Rico Open. … Is 15th in world golf rankings.
SERGIO GARCIA
Age: 40.
Notable: Has 20 International victories to go with 11 on PGA Tour. … Masters win in 2017 gives him exempt status on tour through 2022-23. … Won Sanderson Farms Championship in one of five fall starts. … A participant in nine Ryder Cups for European team.
LANTO GRIFFIN
Age: 32.
Notable: Last year’s Houston Open win at Golf Club of Houston is only one on PGA Tour. … Coming off share of 11th place at Zozo Championship. … World golf ranking of 55 is career high. … Hasmade three of four cuts this fall season with one top 10 finish.
VIKTOR HOVLAND
Age: 23.
Notable: Has made an impact since turning professional in late 2019. … Win in 2020 Puerto Rico Open came in 12th PGA Tour start. … Has nine top 25 finishes in 20 starts in 2020. … Outstanding amateur career included winning 2018 U.S. Amateur.