The owner of the Houston Astros, Jim Crane, is no stranger to making headlines in the baseball world. His latest headline in the world of golf is a doozy. It centers on the superstar Rory McIlroy and the newly prestigious Houston Open. This tournament, under Crane’s guidance, has seen a remarkable transformation. It attracts top talent and makes a huge impact in the community. This latest announcement is just that—another exciting chapter in the growth and future of golf in Houston.

McIlroy made his much-anticipated return to the Houston Open in 2025. He competed in the Texas Children’s Houston Open, March 27 and March 30. It was his first appearance at Memorial Park Golf Course in the Astros Golf Foundation era. He showed his commitment, stating, “I’m here… trying to win this golf tournament.” He finished tied for fifth, earning a cool $338,000. This payday pushed his career PGA Tour earnings past an incredible $100 million. He became only the second golfer, after Tiger Woods, to reach this milestone.

Now, for the stunning news that has the golf community buzzing: Jim Crane revealed McIlroy’s intentions for the future. According to a tweet from Ari Alexander, “Jim Crane says Rory McIlroy told him he’d play the Houston Open again next year.” This commitment for 2026 speaks volumes about the event’s appeal. Adding to the impact, Alexander followed up, stating the “Astros Golf Foundation: 2025 Houston Open raised $5.75 million for charity this year.”

So, while McIlroy didn’t win the 2025 event, the tournament was a massive victory for Houston charities.

McIlroy came to the 2025 Houston Open white-hot, with two impressive wins earlier in the season. Right before Houston, he won the Players Championship and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Additionally, he also had strong finishes, like his T4 at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. There was no question, his consistently high level of play was evidence enough to show a man on a mission heading into the spring.

It was a tactical masterstroke that he was in Houston this year anyway. McIlroy openly used the tournament to fine-tune his game ahead of The Masters. He even visited Augusta National just days before the Houston event. Despite this preparatory focus, McIlroy was all business at Memorial Park. “I’m trying to do my best this week,” he affirmed. This approach worked brilliantly. After a T5 in Houston, he won the 2025 Masters, securing his career Grand Slam.

From Astros diamond to golf fairway: Jim Crane’s dual success

The 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open, in fact, had its ‘strongest field ever.’ World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and McIlroy, World No. 2, headlined the event. Scheffler even matched the course record with a sizzling eight-under-par 62. Other stars, including Wyndham Clark, Rickie Fowler, and Jason Day, also played. Major champions Padraig Harrington, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Zach Johnson added further depth. This galaxy of stars confirmed the upward trajectory of the tournament on the PGA Tour.

The tournament promised big rewards and a better fan experience. Golfers competed for a $9.5 million purse, with a winner’s share of $1.71 million. Organizers increased seating for general admission viewing areas with new grandstands. ‘The Dugout,’ a new venue behind the 15th green, offered up-close views. Younger fans were entertained in the Texas Children’s Family Fun Zone. Additionally, a brand new Family Care Center was also part of the family-friendly theme of the event for an experience sure to please everyone.

The Astros Golf Foundation and Jim Crane have been instrumental. Crane’s leadership has been transformative since the Foundation took over in 2018. They led a $34 million renovation of Memorial Park Golf Course. And renowned architect, Tom Doak, led this project. The Foundation has raised over $16.4 million for local charities. These beneficiaries include the City of Houston and the First Tee of Greater Houston, showcasing a deep and strong community commitment.

While Crane excels in golf, his Houston Astros are also navigating their MLB season. The Astros are currently standing with a 25-22 record and ranked second in the American League West. However, it hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine as the team has also faced some challenges with offensive consistency and pitching depth because of some injuries this year.

For the Houston Open, McIlroy’s 2025 appearance was a key step towards his historic Grand Slam. What new heights will the Houston Open and McIlroy reach next?