Already looking forward to visiting again next year
When the folks at Charles Schwab swooped in and bailed out the annual Colonial Country Club tournament in 2019 they were considered saviors by most connected with the longest-running event at the same venue on the PGA Tour. That includes me and my best friend Mark. For years we have made visiting Colonial on this weekend an annual tradition, always getting our picture taken in front of the hallowed Ben Hogan statue and paying our respects to the golf legend. Without Schwab the tournament, which has gone by many names over the years – currently the Charles Schwab Challenge – would never have made it to its 80th birthday this year.
For all intents and purposes it was dead in the proverbial water hazard, buried in a sand trap after the two-year debacle that was its relationship with the now defunct food chain Dean & DeLuca. In fact, one has to wonder what might have happened had local folks in Fort Worth not stepped up and held a tournament in 2018 without a sponsor. But Schwab officials saw that they did just that. They saw the loyalty this community has to the tournament and stepped in.
They saw golf fans like me and Mark showing up time and time again, savoring the history of the course, its beauty, and watching some pretty danged good golf on a consistent basis. Schwab’s decision to be the title sponsor continues to be justified year after year by folks like me and Mark.
Attendance was once again outstanding, despite rain sending people home early on the opening day. We regularly attend on Sunday, but since I had to be out of the state that day, we went on Friday – which was hot and sultry, but never let that get in the way of tradition. “It was a great week, a busy week,” Tournament Director Michael Tothe said. “The 80th anniversary at Colonial was a good one.”Merchandise sales were up in the golf shop and the fan shop. Our Village ticket was popular, so was the Food Truck Fairway.”
KINCAID’S AND CHARITIES Speaking of food, the addition of Kincaid’s Hamburgers to the tourney was a big hit, Tothe said. Like the tournament, they’ve also been a Fort Worth favorite for 80 years. “Anytime you can weave a Fort Worth institution in, it only makes everything better,” Tothe said. “You just can’t beat a Kincaid’s burger.” He’s right. All due respect to other burger joints, enjoying a Kincaid’s burger on one of the country’s greatest golf courses, well, life doesn’t get any better.
And, as always, numerous charities benefited from the tournament. They have become renowned for helping so many organizations over the years, with the Birdies For Charity program raising approximately $40 million locally over the past two years alone. “It’s a part of the fabric of the tournament. It speaks to the heart of our sport,” Tothe said.
NEVER CHANGE THIS The tournament once again had an exciting finish, with Russell Henley defeating Eric Cole in a playoff after each finished regulation in 12 under par. Folks love seeing this kind of golf in its thrilling conclusions, and that means having a clear view – especially at the final hole. While there are plenty of venues and such around the course featuring plenty of fun and fellowship, Tothe made it clear that one place remains sacred. “We focused on not building anything around 18,” he said. “The crowds there were great and it looked great on TV.” And, as has happened so often, it was the scene for an exciting finish. Henley, trailing by three strokes with three holes to play, birdied the final three holes – including No. 18 – to force a playoff.
SCOTTIE, JORDAN EXPECTED BACK One thing that was missing in 2026, however – okay, two things – were fan favorites Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. While they have only won once at Colonial between them (Spieth in 2016), they always compete well in the event (Scheffler was runner-up in 2022 and 2024) and are considered hometown heroes. Another local favorite, though not from here, is Brooks Koepka (2018 runner-up), who, like Scheffler and Spieth, were originally in this year’s field but withdrew shortly before the tourney. They all cited a congested PGA schedule and not wanting to risk injury. Tothe said he is confident they will be back in 2027. “I think so, but it is a grueling grind on the PGA Tour,” he said.
The PGA controls the scheduling of tournaments and this year the Charles Schwab Challenge’s dates were adjusted, creating a conflict. Tothe said he expects things to get “back to normal” next year.
ALSO NEXT YEAR While it’s not a complete course makeover like took place between the 2023 and 2024 tournaments that restored the course to its original 1936 design, the club house will have a new and restored look come the 2027 event. “That will be a big and exciting thing,” Tothe said. “It’s going to be beautiful.” Again, just like the course, maintaining all dignity and respect for the history of the country club.
As for what else might be in store for next year, Tothe said, “We’ll start evaluating 2026 and looking to 2027. Whatever we do, it will be great, count on it.”
The agreement with Schwab concludes in 2027 also, but it has already been renewed once even after dealing with the COVID pandemic. All signs point to the relationship continuing. “All in all, we had another A grade this year,” Tothe said. “The folks at Schwab seem to be happy and I think they’re in it for the long haul.”
Good to know. Continue to keep plenty of free sunscreen on hand as Mark and I will be back next year as well.
