Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler Miss Cut at Houston Open

Top golfers face different questions ahead of the Masters after early exits.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:11pm

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Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler, two of golf's biggest stars, both missed the cut at the recent Houston Open tournament. Koepka was hoping to use the event as a tune-up for the upcoming Masters, while Fowler is still trying to regain his form after a recent slump. Their early exits have raised questions about their readiness for the year's first major championship.

Why it matters

The Houston Open is a key warm-up event for many top golfers ahead of the Masters. Koepka and Fowler's struggles at the tournament have cast doubt on their chances of contending at Augusta National, one of the sport's most prestigious events. Their missed cuts could also impact their momentum and confidence heading into the Masters.

The details

Koepka, a five-time major champion, was looking to use the Houston Open to sharpen his game after three straight top-20 finishes on the PGA Tour. However, he failed to make the weekend, missing the cut by a wide margin. Fowler, a former top-5 player in the world, has been mired in a slump and was also unable to advance past the second round in Houston.

  • The Houston Open was held from March 23-26, 2026.

The players

Brooks Koepka

A five-time major champion and one of the top golfers in the world.

Rickie Fowler

A former top-5 player in the world who has struggled with his form in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“I do feel like it is now. I can sit back and kind of play golf how I used to play in '17, '19, kind of in that run when I was playing very good where I can be very patient and just kind of wait my time.”

— Brooks Koepka

What’s next

The 2026 Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 10-13, 2026. Both Koepka and Fowler will look to bounce back and contend at Augusta National after their early exits in Houston.

The takeaway

Koepka and Fowler's missed cuts at the Houston Open raise questions about their form and readiness for the Masters, one of golf's most prestigious events. Their struggles highlight the importance of strong tune-up performances ahead of major championships, and the need for top players to regain their confidence and momentum heading into the season's biggest tournaments.