The Charles Schwab Challenge is the longest-running non-major tournament on the PGA Tour, held annually at the iconic Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, since 1946. Steeped in tradition and with a past champions list that reads like a hall of fame, this event is one of the most prestigious stops on the PGA Tour calendar.
What is the Charles Schwab Challenge?
The Charles Schwab Challenge is a premier PGA Tour event with a purse of approximately $9,900,000. Originally known as the Colonial National Invitation Tournament, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running event at a single venue in PGA Tour history. The winner is awarded the tournament’s famous tartan plaid blazer, a tradition that has become one of golf’s most recognisable symbols of victory. The event attracts approximately 15,000 fans per day and draws over 3 million television viewers.
When is the Charles Schwab Challenge 2026?
The 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge takes place from Thursday 28 May to Sunday 31 May 2026. Tournament week activities typically begin earlier with practice rounds and pro-am events. The event is traditionally held over the Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the most popular sporting events in the Fort Worth area each year.
Where is the Charles Schwab Challenge Played?
The tournament is held at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. The par-70 course measures 7,209 yards and is known for its tight tree-lined fairways, small undulating greens, and the famous Trinity River winding through the property. Colonial holds the unique distinction of being the only club to have hosted a Men’s U.S. Open (1941), a Women’s U.S. Open (1991), and THE PLAYERS Championship (1975). The course demands accuracy and shot-making skill above raw power, which is why it has produced so many popular champions over the decades.
Key Contenders
Ben Griffin returns as the 2025 defending champion, having claimed his first PGA Tour victory at Colonial. The tournament consistently attracts a world-class field given its Signature Event status and historical prestige. Players who excel at Colonial tend to be precise ball-strikers who can navigate tight fairways and handle the course’s strategic demands. With the tartan plaid blazer on the line, competition is fierce from tee to green.
How to Watch
The Charles Schwab Challenge is broadcast live on Golf Channel and CBS, with featured group and early-round coverage available on ESPN+. The event typically receives extensive broadcast coverage given its Memorial Day weekend scheduling and its status as one of the Tour’s marquee events.
History of the Charles Schwab Challenge
Every May since 1946, the world’s finest golfers have travelled to Fort Worth to compete at Colonial. The tournament’s roll call of champions includes some of the greatest names in golf history. Ben Hogan, a Fort Worth native, holds the record with five victories. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Nick Price, Phil Mickelson, and many other legends have all worn the tartan plaid blazer. The event has been held under various title sponsors over the decades, with Charles Schwab assuming sponsorship in 2019. Colonial’s unwavering commitment to hosting the tournament for nearly eight decades makes it a unique and treasured institution in professional golf.
Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge are available through the official tournament website. Options include daily general admission, weekly badges, and a range of premium hospitality packages offering food, beverage, and exclusive viewing areas. Military personnel typically receive complimentary admission as part of the PGA Tour’s military appreciation programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tartan plaid blazer?
The tartan plaid blazer is the signature award given to the Charles Schwab Challenge champion, similar to the green jacket at the Masters. It has been a tradition at Colonial for decades and is one of the most recognisable prizes in professional golf.
Why is Colonial Country Club considered special?
Colonial is the only club in the world to have hosted a Men’s U.S. Open, a Women’s U.S. Open, and THE PLAYERS Championship. It has been the continuous home of this PGA Tour event since 1946, making it unrivalled in tournament hosting history.
Who has won the most Charles Schwab Challenges?
Ben Hogan holds the record with five victories at Colonial Country Club. Hogan was a Fort Worth native and remains the player most closely associated with the tournament.
Is the Charles Schwab Challenge a Signature Event?
Yes. The Charles Schwab Challenge is one of the PGA Tour’s designated Signature Events, featuring an elevated purse and attracting a strong field of the world’s top-ranked golfers.
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