The 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge is set to begin from May 22 to May 25 at the iconic Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, and for golf fans, it’s more than just another PGA Tour stop. As one of the longest-running events on the PGA Tour, this tournament, often referred to as ‘Hogan’s Alley’ in honor of Ben Hogan’s five victories here, continues to attract top talent and offers a classic course known to test even the best in the game.
The 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge sticks to a tried-and-true PGA Tour format: 72 holes of stroke play over four days. The field comprises 135 players, including notable names like Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his PGA Championship win. Scottie is one of the favorites to win, and well, rightfully so! Now, we know the coming week will be action-packed, but will the golfers have to face the risk of a missed cut?
After the first two rounds, played Thursday and Friday, there is a cut. Only the top 65 players (plus ties) at the 36-hole mark will advance to the final two rounds to be played over the weekend. So yes, if a player doesn’t show up with their A-game, they’ll be heading home early. Last year’s edition was an emotional rollercoaster for this event, in both good and bad ways.
In 2024, the week was marked by the heartbreaking loss of Grayson Murray, who withdrew during the second round, citing illness, and ended his life the same evening, bringing into focus the mental health struggles faced by professional golfers. It was also a memorable week for American professional golfer Davis Riley, who stormed to his first solo PGA Tour victory with a commanding five-shot win at 14-under par. He is back in the field this year to defend his title as one of the top picks.
Now, what really sets this event apart is the venue itself. Colonial isn’t just a course; it’s a legacy course with roots going as far back as 1946, when it was known as the ‘Colonial National Invitational’.
The ‘Horrible Horseshoe’ at the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge
Renowned for its challenging layout, the par-70 course stretches over 7,289 yards and demands precision and strategic play. Notably, the ‘Horrible Horseshoe’—holes 3, 4, and 5—is one of the toughest stretches on the PGA Tour, capable of turning a promising round into a grind in a matter of minutes. Hole 3, in particular, is the ultimate test, requiring players to navigate narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.
With $9.5 million in prize money and valuable FedEx Cup points at stake, the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-watch events. Adding to its storied tradition is the beloved “Champions’ Choice” exemption, which gives past winners the chance to spotlight emerging talent—this year, rising amateur Neal Shipley gets that honor.
All eyes will be on World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler as he chases his third straight win and a second title at the Colonial. Fan favorites like Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, and Hideki Matsuyama are also in the mix to shake things up. Expect drama, unforgettable moments, and world-class golf—served up Texas style.
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