The PGA TOUR heads from Dallas to Fort Worth this week for the 2026 edition of the Charles Schwab Challenge, where Colonial Country Club once again provides one of the season’s purest ball-striking tests.
Colonial doesn’t overwhelm players with length. Instead, it demands discipline. Tight doglegs, small greens and difficult approach angles have historically rewarded elite iron play and patience more than raw power. That profile matters in a field missing some of the TOUR’s biggest names after withdrawals from Wyndham Clark, Brooks Koepka and Denny McCarthy earlier in the week.
Even without those stars, the field still features plenty of intriguing contenders, including Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Tony Finau, Keegan Bradley and Akshay Bhatia.
Favorite to Win: Ludvig Åberg
It feels like only a matter of time before Åberg wins again, and Colonial sets up beautifully for his game.
The Swedish star has already proven he can contend on difficult, strategic layouts, and his combination of elite driving and improving wedge play makes him the most complete player in this field. Unlike bomber-friendly venues where everyone can overpower a course, Colonial rewards controlled aggression — an area where Åberg continues to separate himself.
His temperament also stands out. Colonial often turns into a grinding tournament where pars matter, and Åberg rarely looks rattled when scoring conditions toughen. If he putts even moderately well, he has the profile of a player who could take over the tournament by Saturday afternoon.
Dark Horse Pick: Michael Kim
Michael Kim continues to fly under the radar despite quietly becoming one of the TOUR’s steadiest players over the past year.
Colonial is exactly the kind of venue where Kim can thrive. He doesn’t need to overpower the golf course, and his recent approach-play numbers have been among the best in this field. He also tends to perform well on positional layouts where avoiding mistakes matters more than making birdies in bunches.
With many bettors focused on bigger names, Kim offers the kind of value that often cashes at Colonial. This event has a history of rewarding precision players who arrive with confidence and sharp irons, and Kim checks both boxes.
Popular Pick to Avoid: Tony Finau
Finau’s name will attract plenty of betting action because of his pedigree and overall talent, but Colonial may not be the ideal fit for him.
While he has evolved into a more complete golfer over the last several seasons, Finau still tends to do his best work on courses where length creates a clear advantage. Colonial neutralizes that edge. The course forces players to throttle back off the tee and rely heavily on precise approach shots from uncomfortable yardages.
There’s also the issue of recent inconsistency. Finau has flashed strong stretches this season but hasn’t consistently looked like a player ready to close out a demanding tournament against a quality field. At likely short odds, bettors may be paying for reputation more than course fit.
Other Names Worth Watching
Keegan Bradley — One of the best iron players on TOUR and an excellent fit for Colonial’s demands.
Russell Henley — Fairways-and-greens specialist who could quietly contend all week.
Tom Hoge — Another elite approach player capable of climbing the leaderboard quickly.
Ben Griffin — A past winner here who clearly feels comfortable at Colonial.
Jordan Smith — One of the more interesting international sleepers entering the week.
With the U.S. Open looming in just a few weeks, this tournament also serves as an important momentum builder. Colonial has a way of exposing weaknesses and rewarding players who stay patient for four straight days — which is exactly why it remains one of the TOUR’s most respected stops.