Full Breakdown
2026 Charles Schwab Challenge Preview
5/28/2026, 9:17:24 PM
Event Overview
The 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge starts Thursday, May 28, at Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas. The par-70, 7,289-yard course marks its 80th year at Colonial. The $9.9 million purse awards $1,782,000 and a vintage car to the winner.
Course Profile
Colonial’s narrow, tree-lined fairways and the “Horrible Horseshoe” (holes 3-5) demand precise iron play; the 476-yard par-4 5th hole posted the highest scoring average (four strokes) last year. Bentgrass greens are firm and fast, wind light, and temperatures low-90 °F early, falling to the 80s later with dry conditions and a Sunday thunderstorm chance.
Field and Contenders
Reports list 132–133 players, including seven OWGR top-20: J.J. Spaun (9), Russell Henley (12), Ludvig Åberg (13), Robert MacIntyre (15), Justin Thomas (16), Ben Griffin (17) and Hideki Matsuyama (20). Griffin, the 2025 champion, seeks back-to-back wins at +2700 odds; Åberg is the favorite at +950 after six of seven recent top-8 finishes. Other odds: Henley (+1800), Thomas (+2000), MacIntyre (+2200), Fowler (+2700). Past winners in the field are Chris Kirk (2015), Kevin Kisner (2017), Emiliano Grillo (2023), Davis Riley (2024) and Griffin (2025).
Betting Outlook
Handicapper Brady Kannon says the 20-1 odds on Justin Thomas are “way too short,” citing his recent PGA finish and bentgrass struggles.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note that “A lot of the big names are skipping this one,” and that “The tournament does not have enough of the star power Texas fans expected.”
Historical Significance
Colonial has hosted the Charles Schwab Challenge since 1946, the longest-running non-major at a single venue. The course is linked to Ben Hogan, a five-time winner known as “Hogan’s Alley.” Annika Sörenstam’s 2003 appearance remains a landmark for gender inclusion.
Conflicting Reports
Field size varies between 132 and 133 players; no official clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I believe the price is way too short this week on Justin Thomas and much of it is about his recent performance at the PGA Championship where he finished fourth,” — Brady Kannon, SportsLine handicapper
- “Not the longest golf course, but it doesn’t have to be,” — Alex Smalley, golf analyst
- “Bo McBrayer on Colonial Country Club It’s just a basic formula of keeping the ball in the short grass.” — Bo McBrayer, Colonial Country Club commentator
- “but I think in the big picture, it was good for women’s sports and for young girls to be able to share that story.” — Annika Sörenstam, former LPGA champion
What’s Next
The final round ends Sunday, May 31, on Golf Channel and CBS. The champion joins the “Wall of Champions” at Colonial and earns entry to upcoming PGA Tour Signature Events.
