Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
Golf: Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club
Following the thrilling conclusion of the PGA Championship where Xander Schauffele secured his first major victory over Bryson DeChambeau, players now head to Fort Worth, TX for the longest-running event on the PGA Tour, the Charles Schwab Challenge. Hosted at the historic Colonial Country Club, this tournament promises to be as exciting as ever, especially with the recent $20 million renovation by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner aimed at restoring the course to its original beauty.
Course Renovations
The renovations at Colonial Country Club include significant changes to the four par 3s. The greens for holes #8 and #16 were moved to introduce more challenging play, bunkers were removed from hole #4, and hole #13’s green was raised for better viewing. Additionally, some elevated greens were lowered, and barrancas were added to give the course a more natural look. These changes will certainly impact how players approach the course this week.
Key Stats to Watch
Despite the renovations, approach play and putting are expected to dominate at Colonial. Statistics show a dramatic split, indicating that off-the-tee and around-the-green play are less relevant here. With some greens now more receptive, Strokes Gained: Approach is a crucial metric this week. Specific approach proximities of 125-150, 150-175, and 175-200 yards will be particularly important.
Both driving distance and driving accuracy are down from the tour average at this course, suggesting that players prioritize precision over power. Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass is another critical stat, often correlating with past winners who have excelled with the flat stick. Additionally, Par 4 scoring on holes 400-450 yards will be vital, given that seven holes fall into this range.
Weather Conditions
Forecasts are calling for windy conditions throughout the weekend, with sustained winds around 15 mph and gusts up to 25-30 mph. While wind is always a factor to consider, many of the top players in this field are known for their ability to handle windy conditions, so it shouldn’t drastically alter betting strategies.
Top Picks for the Charles Schwab Challenge
Scottie Scheffler Top American
If you're betting on Scheffler this week, the Top American market offers good value by excluding some strong international competitors. Scheffler's record here is impressive with a runner-up and third-place finish in the last two years. If he gains strokes putting, he has a strong chance to win.
Max Homa (16-1 winner w/o Scheffler DraftKings)
Homa is one of the few players capable of challenging Scheffler. His recent form with approach shots and putting makes him a strong contender. Homa’s solid history at Colonial, including a 27th, 23rd, and 9th place finish in three of his last four appearances, boosts his chances.
Brian Harman (FanDuel)
Harman has shown he can compete with the best, as evidenced by his performance at last year’s Open Championship and The Players in March. His track record at Colonial includes nine made cuts in 11 appearances and three top-10 finishes, making him a strong pick.
Harris English Top 20 (BetMGM)
English’s hot putter and improved approach game make him a good bet for a top-20 finish. His course history at Colonial includes two top-5 finishes, and BetMGM’s policy of paying ties in full adds extra value to this bet.
Justin Lower (170-1 FanDuel)
Lower’s recent form, including four straight top-30 finishes, makes him an intriguing long shot. Despite finishing 57th here last year, his current play suggests he can perform better this time. He’s also worth a look for a first-round leader bet at 100-1 on FanDuel.
As players gear up for the Charles Schwab Challenge, the newly renovated Colonial Country Club is set to test their skills in what promises to be an exciting tournament. Whether it’s approach play, putting, or handling windy conditions, the best will rise to the top in Fort Worth.
