Charles Schwab Challenge
It's Colonial week — and likely a rainy one at that. If you're headed out to the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club, which runs Thursday through Sunday, here's a handy guide to help you navigate the event.
TICKETS
For starters, it’s important to note that no tickets are sold at the gate, so don’t just show up expecting to purchase passes day-of. And beware of scalpers, too — while tournament manager Dennis Roberson says he’s “not aware of a scalping issue at this time,” it’s best to purchase tickets via the Charles Schwab Challenge website. All tickets are digital and redeemed at Colonial Country Club.
Being the 75th anniversary of the tournament, there are two main types of tickets offered this year — a $575 Patio Club ticket and a $475 75th Anniversary ticket.
Patio Club ticket holders will have access to an air-conditioned clubhouse and outdoor patio overlooking the 16th green and 17th tee, as well as food and beverages in the club and at on-course concession stands.
Anniversary ticket holders will have access to two on-course “Villages” with outdoor seating; private wait staff; TVs; elevated prime viewing on holes 13, 15, and 16; and all-you-can-eat food and drink. Both villages are named after golf greats — the Palmer Village, after 1962 champion Arnold Palmer, and the Crenshaw Village, after two-time champion Ben Crenshaw.
If you’re not quite willing to drop about $500 for schmancy premium amenities, there’s also a limited number of Premium Grounds Daily tickets for $250 per day on Friday and Saturday. These passes come with unlimited complimentary food and drink, access to on-course attractions, and of course, the tournament itself. Those tickets cap at 2,000.
Sadly, skyboxes and private corporate hospitality chalets will not be included at this year’s event, if you were looking forward to that.
PARKING
Parking is available at TCU’s Worth Hills parking garage along Bellaire Drive North. There’s also valet parking at the Colonial Country Club clubhouse, along with rideshare drop-off and pick-up at a special entry gate at the No. 1 green and No. 2 tee box. Click here for the map and pricing.
Now, some residents living around the area have been known to offer up their own front yards for parking — it’s not the most ideal choice, however, as streets immediately around Colonial will be closed by the city to facilitate smooth and safe traffic for residents, according to Roberson.
COVID-19
There’s still a pandemic going on, but not quite to the severity of last year’s situation. That said, the Charles Schwab Challenge will be following the PGA TOUR’s updated guidelines, which state that fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors unless otherwise mandated by state or local law or regulations. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask indoors at all times and outdoors when they cannot be socially distant or as otherwise mandated by state or local law or regulations.
WHAT ABOUT THE RAIN?
Fort Worth can’t seem to catch a break these past few days with the weather. Per tradition, the game will go on in the rain (unless there’s lightning or a more severe threat coming by). If you have a premium ticket, you’ve got covered seating in the Villages. If not, bring an umbrella.
FOOD
So what’s there to eat around here? Patrons will want to take advantage of complimentary food and drink throughout the club. Expect items like a burger called The Berger (hehe), sandwiches, hotdogs, and wraps. There will be breakfast offerings as well, such as cinnamon buns and breakfast tacos.
At the Villages, ticket holders can expect more elevated offerings like snapper Veracruz and baby back ribs. The Patio Club will feature a slider and taco station, panini station, and open bar.
Beer and wine are also available throughout. Click here for full menus.
ASIDE FROM THE TOURNAMENT
Aside from the tournament itself, the Charles Schwab Challenge has a few other fan experiences that attendees can enjoy, from The 5: Schwab Performance Center (featuring a Ben Hogan-themed activation that helps visitors improve aspects of their own golf game) to an online film series titled “The Challengers.” With the tournament falling on Memorial Day Weekend, a moment of silence will take place during play on Sunday, accompanied by a flyover of military aircraft.
Read more about the Charles Schwab Challenge’s additional activities here.
FAN RULES
Remember, this is a golf tournament, not a football game. So please, be respectful.
In golf, the general spectator etiquette is to remain quiet immediately prior to and throughout a player’s swing. You can applaud once the stroke is completely finished. Cheer for successful strokes, but no shouting “boo” if it goes awry.
WHO TO WATCH
Ah yes, the golf tournament itself. When it comes to specific players to watch out for, most folks will likely have their eyes on Phil Mickelson, who comes to Fort Worth fresh off Sunday’s PGA Championship, in which he, at 50, became the oldest player to win a major event.
Dallas favorite Jordan Spieth will also be there, along with defending champion Daniel Berger; Collin Morikawa, whose putting mishap cost him the title last year; 2019 champion Kevin Na; 2001 champion Sergio Garcia; and others. There’s also a local in the group, Ryan Palmer, who’s a member at Colonial.
Of course, there are plenty more stars vying for the Leonard Trophy, Scottish royal tartan plaid jacket, and a slice of that $7.5 million purse. Rain or shine, the Charles Schwab Challenge is set to be a good time in more ways than one.
But, isn’t it always?
