Charles Schwab Challenge

The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club is one of the PGA Tour’s most historic events, featuring elite competition, legendary champions, and a challenging course. As a Signature Event, it impacts the Official World Golf Ranking and showcases top talent in Fort Worth, Texas. Discover its rich history, iconic moments, and champions.

12 February, 2025

A Historic PGA Tour Spectacle

PGA Tour

Venue(s)

Schedule

Introduction

The Charles Schwab Challenge is one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA Tour, known for its rich tradition, elite competition, and iconic course. Hosted annually at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, this event is a staple of the PGA Tour schedule and has been played since 1946.

The tournament is famous for its deep historical ties, demanding course layout, and a prestigious winners’ list featuring some of golf’s biggest legends. As a signature invitational event, it features a smaller but highly competitive field, with some of the best golfers in the world vying for victory.

A Storied Legacy: The History of the Charles Schwab Challenge

Origins & Growth

1946: First played as the Colonial National Invitational, honoring the legacy of Ben Hogan, a five-time winner.
1975-2018: The tournament has gone through various title sponsors, including Southwestern Bell, MasterCard, and Crowne Plaza.
2019-Present: Charles Schwab became the official title sponsor, elevating the tournament’s prestige and financial backing.

The tournament is deeply rooted in Ben Hogan’s legacy, as the legendary Texan remains the most successful player in the event’s history.

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Website

The Course

Players

Understanding the Format of the Charles Schwab Challenge

Tournament Structure

Field Size: 120 players (limited invitational event).
Cut After 36 Holes: The top 65 players and ties advance to the weekend.
Prize Fund: The purse exceeds $8 million, with the winner receiving a significant share and 500 FedExCup points.
Winner’s Exemptions:
- Two-year PGA Tour exemption.
- Invitations to The Players Championship and select majors.
Signature Traditions: The winner receives a Colonial Plaid Jacket and a custom-made champion’s trophy.

🏆 Recent Winners

2024: Davis Riley (USA)

Final Score: -14 (266)
Runner-Up: Scottie Scheffler (USA), -9)
Third Place: Keegan Bradley (USA), -8)
Key Highlights: Riley secured his first individual PGA Tour victory with a five-stroke lead, earning the Leonard Trophy and a custom 1975 Schwab Stingray

2023: Emiliano Grillo (Argentina)

Final Score: -8 (272) (Won in Playoff)
Runner-Up: Adam Schenk (USA, -8)
Third Place: Scottie Scheffler (USA, -7)
Key Highlights: Grillo secured his second career PGA Tour victory after a thrilling playoff.

2022: Sam Burns (USA)

Final Score: -9 (271) (Won in Playoff)
Runner-Up: Scottie Scheffler (USA, -9)
Third Place: Brendon Todd (USA, -8)
Key Highlights: Burns came from seven shots back in the final round to defeat Scheffler in a playoff.

2021: Jason Kokrak (USA)

Final Score: -14 (266)
Runner-Up: Jordan Spieth (USA, -12)
Third Place: Charley Hoffman (USA, -10)
Key Highlights: Kokrak outdueled Jordan Spieth in Texas for his second PGA Tour victory.

Colonial Country Club: A Historic Venue

Course Overview

Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Course Length: 7,209 yards, Par 70
Designed by: John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell
Signature Features:
- Narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers make accuracy critical.
- The Horrible Horseshoe (Holes 3-5) is one of the toughest stretches on the PGA Tour.
- Bentgrass greens provide fast, smooth putting surfaces.

Colonial Country Club is known for rewarding ball strikers and precision players, making it a true test of skill.

Why the Charles Schwab Challenge Matters

Ben Hogan’s Legacy: No golfer is more synonymous with Colonial than Ben Hogan, a five-time winner.
Prestige & History: One of the oldest and most respected tournaments in PGA Tour history.
Toughest Test in Texas: The course’s tight fairways and small greens make it one of the most challenging stops on the tour.
FedExCup Playoff Implications: A crucial event for players hoping to make a late-season push.
Charitable Contributions: The tournament has raised millions for local Texas charities.

Final Thoughts

The Charles Schwab Challenge is not just a PGA Tour event; it is a celebration of tradition, skill, and golf’s rich history. With a storied venue, elite champions, and an exciting finish year after year, it remains one of the most prestigious non-major tournaments in professional golf.