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The PGA Tour stays in Texas for the final event of the season in the Lone Star State, the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge. Colonial Country Club, the longest host venue on tour, once again asks a familiar and specific question: Who can relentlessly control their golf ball for four consecutive days?
Historically, this has not been a course that players can simply overpower. The narrow corridors and unpredictable bermuda-rough has been one of the most demanding setups, both pre and post renovation. It requires the correct blend of patience, accuracy, and timely putting. A field void of Scottie Scheffler in Texas means the door is open for a crowded group of contenders.
RELATED: Put Chris Gotterup's game to work for you
Here are the 10 players best positioned to win the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge.
10. Johnny Keefer
It’s time for the rookie to show us what he’s got. The native Texan, who broke all the scoring records at Baylor, has two top-10 finishes this season, Both came in his home state, including an impressive T-9 at last week’s CJ Cup.
The results have arrived a little slower than expected, but the talent is undeniable. Keefer became the first player since Scottie Scheffler to win Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. A strong summer push feels likely as his confidence begins to match his ability, and Colonial could be the place it begins.
9. Harry Hall
Andrew Redington
A quick glance at the walls around Colonial shows a clear trend: great putters tend to thrive here. That puts Harry Hall firmly on the radar, as he routinely flashes brilliance on the greens when a golf course plays to his strengths.
Hall has finished T-6 or better in two of his past three starts at this event, giving him one of the stronger course-history profiles in the field. The shorter layout should create plenty of wedge chances, and if he gives himself looks, his putter will lift him into contention.
8. Justin Thomas
After an offseason injury sidelined him for the opening portion of the year, it was fair to wonder how long it would take Thomas to look like himself again. After gaining 15 strokes on the field over his past two starts, Thomas appears ready to put those questions to bed.
He recorded an impressive T-4 at the PGA Championship, where a noticeable trend has emerged for Thomas. He looks more stable off the tee, an area that often bred volatility in his game. When he’s finding fairways, he is dangerous. The irons are always elite, and the ceiling remains high. If he plays from the fairway, he can absolutely win this tournament.
7. Hideki Matsuyama
Emilee Chinn
Speaking of occasionally erratic drivers with massive upside, Hideki Matsuyama checks in at No. 7. He’s still one of the most accomplished players in the field, which draws worthy attention on any odds board. He brings the type of win-or-go-home upside that bettors love, especially in a non-signature event where some of the biggest names on tour are absent.
The case for Matsuyama starts with the iron play, which he quietly pairs with elite touch around the greens. This is a course that features some of the smallest greens on tour, cementing his case as a proper course fit. His schedule is often built around signature events, so competing against a weaker field at Colonial feels like a trophy-hunting opportunity.
6. Ben Griffin
A return to Colonial might be just what the doctor ordered for Ben Griffin. Griffin will be attempting to become just the second player to successfully defend at this tournament since Ben Hogan. The North Carolina native’s play this season hasn’t matched the high standard he put on display in 2025, but the game is hardly in a bad place. Recent solid performances at the Cadillac Championship and PGA Championship provide reason for optimism, and his comfort level at Colonial is already proven.
The key is approach play. Griffin’s putting can still carry him when he gives himself enough quality looks, but he needs to start hitting his irons closer. Colonial is a perfect place for that formula to return. If he can control spin from the fairway and create enough mid-range birdie opportunities, the putter can do the rest.
5. Robert MacIntyre
Michael Reaves
Robert MacIntyre’s monumental improvement off the tee in 2026 has changed the way that we evaluate him. The quick-trigger lefty has always had enough ball speed, but in 2026, the driving has become more reliable. He ranks near the top of this field in strokes gained off the tee and has gained in that category in every start this season.
The narrow alleys should reward Macintyre’s improved accuracy, and he possesses the intangible attribute of aggressiveness and clutch putting that makes him a compelling case to win any week. He’s a legitimate threat that is overdue for a big win in 2026.
RELATED: Wyndham Clark admits ‘comeback’ victory at Byron Nelson made sweeter after Oakmont ‘downfall’
4. Russell Henley
Russell Henley has been a bit of an enigma in 2026. He has played well on courses that did not appear to be ideal fits, then struggled in spots that seemed tailor-made for his game. Still, on paper, Colonial should be exactly the type of course where Henley’s strengths translate.
The name of the game for Henley is control. He routinely plays from the fairway, gives himself clean approach opportunities and manages his golf ball better than most players in the field. T-16 in his most recent start in 2023 compliments a rich career history in Texas for Henley. I expect him to be firmly in the mix.
3. Rickie Fowler
Michael Reaves
The numbers don’t lie. Rickie Fowler arrives at Colonial this week carrying some of the best form in the field, with no signs of slowing down. He’s always been more than the flashy exterior, often displaying calculated strategy in dissecting golf courses, something Colonial is known for.
All parts of his game have been clicking, making him one of the most compelling options on the board. If he can get the putter to cooperate on these ultra-fast greens, this could easily become a vintage Rickie week where he leaves with another trophy for the mantle.
2. Ludvig Aberg
He’s the highest upside player in the field, and it isn’t particularly close. Ludvig Aberg dominantes the field statistically from a ball-striking perspective with an elite combination of power and precision that makes him dangerous anytime he tees it up on the PGA Tour.
The big question I have is whether Colonial gives Aberg enough room to fully separate. This is not a pure driver-test, although usage has been up in recent years as players have adopted a more brazen strategy off the tee. This golf course demands discipline, and if the former Texas Tech Red Raider can showcase it this week, he’s easily the favorite to win. With several superstars offsite, can Aberg close the deal and add another high-quality win to his resume?
1. J.J. Spaun
Andrew Redington
J.J. Spaun garners the top spot as an off-the-radar contender who has been elite from tee to green and Colonial feels tailor-made for his strengths. They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that doesn’t account for Spaun. Two of his three career wins have come in Texas, which makes sense given that the courses demand accuracy and exceptional iron play in the swirling winds.
He’s been the second-best ball-striker in the field over the past three months beyond Aberg, but Spaun brings a trademark clutch gene that elevates his putting performance when the pressure mounts. In a week where I expect Colonial to reward control and patience, Spaun fits the bill as the player to beat at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
RELATED: Dustin Johnson was asked about the future of LIV Golf and delivered the most Dustin Johnson answer ever
Continue reading...
Historically, this has not been a course that players can simply overpower. The narrow corridors and unpredictable bermuda-rough has been one of the most demanding setups, both pre and post renovation. It requires the correct blend of patience, accuracy, and timely putting. A field void of Scottie Scheffler in Texas means the door is open for a crowded group of contenders.
RELATED: Put Chris Gotterup's game to work for you
Here are the 10 players best positioned to win the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge.
10. Johnny Keefer
It’s time for the rookie to show us what he’s got. The native Texan, who broke all the scoring records at Baylor, has two top-10 finishes this season, Both came in his home state, including an impressive T-9 at last week’s CJ Cup.
The results have arrived a little slower than expected, but the talent is undeniable. Keefer became the first player since Scottie Scheffler to win Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. A strong summer push feels likely as his confidence begins to match his ability, and Colonial could be the place it begins.
9. Harry Hall
You must be registered for see images attach
Andrew Redington
A quick glance at the walls around Colonial shows a clear trend: great putters tend to thrive here. That puts Harry Hall firmly on the radar, as he routinely flashes brilliance on the greens when a golf course plays to his strengths.
Hall has finished T-6 or better in two of his past three starts at this event, giving him one of the stronger course-history profiles in the field. The shorter layout should create plenty of wedge chances, and if he gives himself looks, his putter will lift him into contention.
8. Justin Thomas
After an offseason injury sidelined him for the opening portion of the year, it was fair to wonder how long it would take Thomas to look like himself again. After gaining 15 strokes on the field over his past two starts, Thomas appears ready to put those questions to bed.
He recorded an impressive T-4 at the PGA Championship, where a noticeable trend has emerged for Thomas. He looks more stable off the tee, an area that often bred volatility in his game. When he’s finding fairways, he is dangerous. The irons are always elite, and the ceiling remains high. If he plays from the fairway, he can absolutely win this tournament.
7. Hideki Matsuyama
You must be registered for see images attach
Emilee Chinn
Speaking of occasionally erratic drivers with massive upside, Hideki Matsuyama checks in at No. 7. He’s still one of the most accomplished players in the field, which draws worthy attention on any odds board. He brings the type of win-or-go-home upside that bettors love, especially in a non-signature event where some of the biggest names on tour are absent.
The case for Matsuyama starts with the iron play, which he quietly pairs with elite touch around the greens. This is a course that features some of the smallest greens on tour, cementing his case as a proper course fit. His schedule is often built around signature events, so competing against a weaker field at Colonial feels like a trophy-hunting opportunity.
6. Ben Griffin
A return to Colonial might be just what the doctor ordered for Ben Griffin. Griffin will be attempting to become just the second player to successfully defend at this tournament since Ben Hogan. The North Carolina native’s play this season hasn’t matched the high standard he put on display in 2025, but the game is hardly in a bad place. Recent solid performances at the Cadillac Championship and PGA Championship provide reason for optimism, and his comfort level at Colonial is already proven.
The key is approach play. Griffin’s putting can still carry him when he gives himself enough quality looks, but he needs to start hitting his irons closer. Colonial is a perfect place for that formula to return. If he can control spin from the fairway and create enough mid-range birdie opportunities, the putter can do the rest.
5. Robert MacIntyre
You must be registered for see images attach
Michael Reaves
Robert MacIntyre’s monumental improvement off the tee in 2026 has changed the way that we evaluate him. The quick-trigger lefty has always had enough ball speed, but in 2026, the driving has become more reliable. He ranks near the top of this field in strokes gained off the tee and has gained in that category in every start this season.
The narrow alleys should reward Macintyre’s improved accuracy, and he possesses the intangible attribute of aggressiveness and clutch putting that makes him a compelling case to win any week. He’s a legitimate threat that is overdue for a big win in 2026.
RELATED: Wyndham Clark admits ‘comeback’ victory at Byron Nelson made sweeter after Oakmont ‘downfall’
4. Russell Henley
Russell Henley has been a bit of an enigma in 2026. He has played well on courses that did not appear to be ideal fits, then struggled in spots that seemed tailor-made for his game. Still, on paper, Colonial should be exactly the type of course where Henley’s strengths translate.
The name of the game for Henley is control. He routinely plays from the fairway, gives himself clean approach opportunities and manages his golf ball better than most players in the field. T-16 in his most recent start in 2023 compliments a rich career history in Texas for Henley. I expect him to be firmly in the mix.
3. Rickie Fowler
You must be registered for see images attach
Michael Reaves
The numbers don’t lie. Rickie Fowler arrives at Colonial this week carrying some of the best form in the field, with no signs of slowing down. He’s always been more than the flashy exterior, often displaying calculated strategy in dissecting golf courses, something Colonial is known for.
All parts of his game have been clicking, making him one of the most compelling options on the board. If he can get the putter to cooperate on these ultra-fast greens, this could easily become a vintage Rickie week where he leaves with another trophy for the mantle.
2. Ludvig Aberg
He’s the highest upside player in the field, and it isn’t particularly close. Ludvig Aberg dominantes the field statistically from a ball-striking perspective with an elite combination of power and precision that makes him dangerous anytime he tees it up on the PGA Tour.
The big question I have is whether Colonial gives Aberg enough room to fully separate. This is not a pure driver-test, although usage has been up in recent years as players have adopted a more brazen strategy off the tee. This golf course demands discipline, and if the former Texas Tech Red Raider can showcase it this week, he’s easily the favorite to win. With several superstars offsite, can Aberg close the deal and add another high-quality win to his resume?
1. J.J. Spaun
You must be registered for see images attach
Andrew Redington
J.J. Spaun garners the top spot as an off-the-radar contender who has been elite from tee to green and Colonial feels tailor-made for his strengths. They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that doesn’t account for Spaun. Two of his three career wins have come in Texas, which makes sense given that the courses demand accuracy and exceptional iron play in the swirling winds.
He’s been the second-best ball-striker in the field over the past three months beyond Aberg, but Spaun brings a trademark clutch gene that elevates his putting performance when the pressure mounts. In a week where I expect Colonial to reward control and patience, Spaun fits the bill as the player to beat at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
RELATED: Dustin Johnson was asked about the future of LIV Golf and delivered the most Dustin Johnson answer ever
Continue reading...
