Charles Schwab Challenge website
Defending champion Sam Burns.
“I don’t think the writers realize how hard it is to win out there,” said Billy Maxwell after finishing up four rounds out of the top 10 at the Charles Schwab Challenge in 1965.
“If a man finishes in the top 10 he has played some great golf.”
With all due respect, Mr. Maxwell — requiescat pace — one writer knows how difficult it is to to break 90 over four hours and a 12-pack on the Pecan Valley River.
All that to say that the 77th Charles Schwab Challenge on the hallowed grounds of Colonial Country Club is creeping up on us like 8:30 p.m. sunsets.
Tickets are now on sale for the PGA Tour’s annual return to Hogan’s Alley, May 22-28.
The biggest names in golf will be there, along with emerging stars we can’t wait to write about, all competing for a purse of $8.7 million, including a first-place winner’s check of more than $1.5 million a place on the coveted Colonial Wall of Champions.
Notable early player commitments, according to tournament officials, include past champions Sam Burns — the defending champion — Chris Kirk, Zach Johnson and Kevin Kisner. Hometown favorites Ryan Palmer and Tom Hoge also are Colonial bound, along with Max Homa, Brian Harman, Eric Cole, runner-up at last week’s Honda Classic, and Joel Dahmen, the colorful character featured on Netflix’ newly-released “Full Swing” limited series.
The winner, of course, will put on the iconic plaid jacket and, according to organizers, will receive a fully-restored vintage vehicle that will pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Charles Schwab Corporation, headquartered in Westlake.
Ticket options
(All ticket prices shown are plus tax and Ticketmaster fees)
- Daily grounds ticket which includes general admission to the grounds and on-course attractions. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at concession locations on the course, including the new food truck depot at the driving range. Wednesday only Colonial Pro-Am ticket, $50. For a Sunday-only ticket, in honor of the Charles Schwab Corporation’s 50th anniversary, $50 will get fans a ticket for the final round of the tournament. New flex ticket which is good any one day, Wednesday-Sunday, $85. Kids age 15 and under are allowed in free on the grounds when accompanied by a properly credentialed adult.
- Villages ticket, $325 each day, Thursday-Sunday. Premium VIP, all-inclusive ticket allowing entrance into three hospitality Villages on the course and the Colonial Poolside Plaza, with private entrance to the course. All food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in each of the venues; Palmer Village at No. 13 green, Crenshaw Village overlooking No. 16 and the Burns Michelob ULTRA Athletic Club Village at No. 8 green, with views of the No. 9 and No. 12 tees.
- Patio Club, $575 each day, Thursday-Sunday. The ultimate VIP experience with exclusive, in-clubhouse hospitality with Colonial Signature Service from wait staff on the Clubhouse Patios and in the air-conditioned Ballroom. Commanding views of golf action from covered patio overlooking No. 16 green and No. 17 tee from Colonial Clubhouse. Patio Club ticket is all-inclusive of Colonial executive chef-inspired meals, full bar, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Patio Club ticket also includes full-access to the three Villages and the Colonial Poolside Plaza.
Parking options
- Gold valet at the clubhouse, $150 per day, Wednesday-Sunday.
- Silver Parking in garage on the TCU campus with round-trip shuttle to the Colonial Clubhouse, $50 Wednesday only and $75 each day Thursday-Sunday.
- Public parking at Rockwood Lane, $25 per day Thursday-Sunday with round-trip shuttle to the course. Buy in advance on Ticketmaster or pay at lot (credit or debit only).
How to purchase tickets/parking
- All tickets and parking are on sale now at CharlesSchwabChallenge.com.
- All tickets are paperless, mobile entry only through Ticketmaster. Present mobile barcodes at the tournament gates.
Tickets for military
The Charles Schwab Challenge is proud to announce that special opportunities for military members are returning at this year’s tournament. Complimentary tickets for active, reserve and retired military members will be available. Details will be released March 25 on National Medal of Honor Day.