The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, is a classic stop on the PGA Tour. Dating back to 1946, it’s one of the oldest tournaments and is sometimes called "The Colonial." 

This event has a rich history, with legends like Ben Hogan, who won it five times, making the course famous. We're here to break down this tournament and lay out the top PGA DFS picks for this week!

 

 

 

Charles Schwab Challenge 2024 Tournament

What makes the Charles Schwab Challenge special are its unique traditions. The winner gets a tartan plaid jacket and the Leonard Trophy, a silver cup. Plus, past champions pick two young players to join the tournament, giving them a big break.

In recent years, the tournament has attracted top players and become a fan favorite. Its mix of history, a challenging course, and fun traditions make the Charles Schwab Challenge a must-watch event on the PGA Tour calendar. It’s a celebration of great golf and the storied legacy of Colonial Country Club.

 

 

 

Colonial Country Club: Course Breakdown

Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, is a classic golf course that's been a hit with PGA Tour pros since it opened in 1936. Designed by Perry Maxwell and Jim Bredemus, it’s famous for rewarding all kinds of playing styles and runs alongside the Trinity River.

After the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge, top architects Jim Wagner and Gil Hanse revamped the course. They aimed to fix drainage issues and bring back the course's old-school rugged vibe from the 1941 U.S. Open. They noticed the modern look with neat bunkers and rock features wasn’t the original style, so they reintroduced natural elements like the barranca hazard, making the course more challenging.

For the 2024 tournament, the course is now 7,289 yards long with bouncy new Bentgrass greens, making approach shots trickier. The rough is cut to 2.5 inches, which might encourage more aggressive play. They also removed 20 bunkers, replacing them with grass bunkers and native areas to ease maintenance.

Even with these changes, the course should feel familiar. The key to winning here? Strong driving (both distance and accuracy) and precise mid-length iron shots (125-200 yards). The new greens might be tough to hold, so approach play and solid green performance are crucial.

 

 

 

2024 Charles Schwab Challenge Field 

Scottie Scheffler is on fire at Colonial, marking his 10th top-10 finish out of 11 events this year. Fresh from a solid run at the PGA Championship, he's had stellar results at the Charles Schwab Challenge, finishing T3 and T2 in his last two outings.

Collin Morikawa, who just placed T4 at the PGA Championship, is back at Colonial too. He's never missed the cut here, with his best finish being a runner-up in 2020. Defending champ Emiliano Grillo is trying to be the first to win back-to-back at Colonial since Ben Hogan in the '50s.

Jordan Spieth is looking to bounce back after missing the cut last year. Before that, he had seven top-10 finishes in eight years, including three runner-ups and a win in 2016. Billy Horschel and Justin Rose, both former FedExCup champs, are also in the mix after strong performances at the PGA Championship.

Tom Kim, now living in Dallas, is making his Colonial debut and has been consistent lately. Max Homa, who finished T9 last year, is returning, along with sponsor invitees like the Coody twins, Parker and Pierceson, plus major champs like Zach Johnson and Webb Simpson.

Keep an eye out for the next big event, the Memorial Tournament. Top performers from upcoming tournaments will be vying for spots based on FedExCup points.

 

 

 

PGA Stats To Know: 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge

Top SG: Off-The-Tee Targets

  • Scottie Scheffler - 1st on Tour
  • Kevin Yu - 4th on Tour
  • Keith Mitchell - 5th on Tour
  • Alejandro Tosti - 8th on Tour
  • Min Woo Lee - 11th on Tour

Top SG: Approach Targets

  • Scottie Scheffler - 1st on Tour
  • Tom Hoge - 2nd on Tour
  • Tony Finau - 4th on Tour
  • Patton Kizzire - 6th on Tour
  • Akshay Bhatia - 8th on Tour

Top SG: Putting Targets

  • Justin Suh - 3rd on Tour
  • Denny McCarthy - 4th on Tour
  • Billy Horschel - 7th on Tour
  • Harris English - 8th on Tour
  • Peter Malnati - 9th on Tour

Best Course History

  • Jordan Spieth - A Win & 7 Top 10s (9 of 10 Cuts)
  • Scottie Scheffler - 2 Top 3s (3 of 4 Cuts)
  • Rickie Fowler - 2 Top 10s & 2 Top 20s (7 of last 10 Cuts)
  • Brian Harman - 3 Top 10s & 4 Top 30s (9 of last 10 Cuts)
  • Matt Kuchar - 3 Top 10s & 2 Top 20s (10 of last 12 Cuts)

My Best Bets (24-45 Overall, -6.35 Units)

  • Harris English: Top 20 (+130)
  • Andrew Putnam: Top 20 (+190)
  • Aaron Rai: Top 20 (+190)
  • Chris Kirk: Top 30 (+115)
  • Emiliano Grillo: Top 30 (+210)

One & Done Play

  • Harris English

 

 

 

PGA DFS Picks: Charles Schwab Challenge 2024

Top-Price DFS Charles Schwab Challenge Picks

Scottie Scheffler ($13,300)

So, the biggest concern came from something Scottie Scheffler mentioned on Sunday after the PGA Championship: he admitted he was tired. And who can blame him? Scottie's been on a whirlwind tour lately, playing in one high-stakes tournament after another. It's no wonder he's feeling the strain.

Imagine this: it's already a grueling week, even without any extra drama—like getting arrested (seriously, what a wild twist for a golf story, right?). But if there's anyone who can bounce back, it's Scottie. This guy has been a standout on the tour. Just look at his track record here: he finished third two years ago and second last year. He's got this incredible blend of talent and determination that's just inspiring to watch.

Scottie’s rise in the golf world has been meteoric. Since turning pro, he’s quickly made a name for himself with his consistent performances and calm under pressure. I have no doubt that, despite feeling worn out, he’ll regroup and come back stronger. That’s just who Scottie Scheffler is.

Collin Morikawa ($11,000)

Morikawa's game has been on point, especially his approach, but the ranking may not be sexy at 86th, but don’t let that fool you. The guy's a beast when it comes to Tee-to-Green, sitting comfortably at 17th on Tour. How’s he pulling it off? Well, he’s absolutely killing it in the other two components. He’s holding it down at 22nd in Off-the-Tee and making waves at 16th in Around-the-Green. And get this, his Off-the-Tee game? It’s off the charts, thanks in large part to his insane driving accuracy—he’s sitting pretty at number one on Tour.

After his solid run at the Masters, Morikawa kept the momentum going with another top-10 finish at Harbour Town. And guess what? He’s got even more potential to shine this week post-PGA. Sure, his Sunday showing at Valhalla wasn’t his best, but trust me, Colonial is like his playground. With two majors already in the bag, Morikawa is still one of the smoothest short- to mid-iron players out there. And his short game? It’s getting better by the day.

So, yeah, maybe Valhalla wasn’t his moment, but you better believe Morikawa’s gearing up to be a force once again. Keep an eye on him as he tackles this next challenge—it’s the perfect test for his killer approach play.

Tony Finau ($9,900)

Man, Tony Finau’s approach game is just as solid as ever! At the PGA, he was in a league of his own, leading the field and securing a respectable tie for 18th overall. But let me tell you, that’s just the tip of the iceberg with Finau. Lately, his game’s been on an upward trajectory, showing some serious consistency with a runner-up finish, a strong T12, and that impressive T18 in his last five starts. 

And when it comes to this course, he’s no stranger to success—he clinched fourth place here just two years ago, and let’s not forget that impressive runner-up spot in 2019. With his knack for navigating tough courses and his ever-improving form, Tony Finau’s definitely a force to be reckoned with on the green!

 

 

 

Mid-Price DFS Charles Schwab Challenge Picks

Harris English ($9,000)

Alright, let's chat about Harris English for a minute. Last week, you could snag him for a bargain at just $6,500, and let me tell you, he didn’t disappoint! Secured himself a sweet spot in the top-20. But now, with his price bumped up to $9,000, the stakes are higher, and the expectations are too. But here’s the scoop on English—he’s been on fire with his putting game lately, outclassing almost everyone else in the field over his last 24 rounds, except for Denny McCarthy.

And here’s a fun fact about him: did you know he’s a Georgia boy through and through? Yep, born and bred in the Peach State. Oh, and let’s not forget his stellar performance right here on this course last year—he walked away with a respectable tie for 12th. So, sure, the price tag might be a bit steeper this time, but with English’s talent and homegrown grit, he’s definitely one to keep an eye on!

Chris Kirk ($8,400)

Let's dive into Chris Kirk's story for a moment. Did you know he’s got some serious history here at Colonial? Yeah, he’s not just any player—he's a former champ at this very course! And get this, out of his 12 times teeing it up here on this Maxwell-designed beauty, he’s landed in the top 25 a solid seven times. That’s some serious consistency right there.

But here’s the thing that sets Kirk apart—he’s not just about past glory. This guy’s still making waves. Just check out his win earlier this season at Kapalua. And here’s a fun nugget about him: Chris Kirk's got roots in the South, hailing from Georgia. You can see that Southern charm in his game, for sure.

Now, let’s talk about his wedge game. It’s been on point all season long, making him one of the go-to guys on tour when it comes to those tricky shots. And mark my words, that skill’s gonna pay off big time here at Colonial. With his blend of past success, current form, and good ol' Southern grit, Chris Kirk’s definitely one to watch out for on the green!

Aaron Rai ($7,800)

Let's dive into Aaron Rai's story for a moment. Rumor has it that he might be a popular pick in this price range, and honestly, I can see why. This guy’s got some real talent. When it comes to keeping it straight off the tee, he’s a natural—ranked 10th in driving accuracy on Tour. And you know what's even more impressive? His approach game is solid too, sitting comfortably at 10th in SG: Approach.

Did you know he's got a real passion for the game that runs deep? It’s been in his blood since he was just a kid, inspired by his dad who was also a golf enthusiast. 

Now, let’s talk about his putting. Sure, it might not be his strongest suit, but hey, he’s holding his own, ranked 114th on the tour. And let’s not forget about his performance here last year. Rai didn’t just show up, he left his mark, tying for 12th place. So, keep your eyes peeled for this rising star. With his skills, his love for the game, and his killer fashion sense, Aaron Rai’s definitely one to root for on the green!

 

 

 

Value-Price DFS Charles Schwab Challenge Picks

Andrew Putnam ($7,400)

Let's talk about Andrew Putnam and Aaron Rai for a sec. These guys have some serious game, especially at Colonial.

Putnam’s like the veteran here, you know? He’s been in the top 25 three times in the last six years, and that tie for third in 2019? That’s just gold. And let me tell you, he’s not just lucky—he’s got skills for days. His putting? Smooth as butter. And those approach shots? They’re on point.

Now, let’s switch gears to Rai. This dude’s a rising star, no doubt. Last year, he made some noise, finishing a solid 12th. And get this, he made the cut last week at the PGA Championship, even though it wasn’t really his kind of course. But here’s the thing about Colonial—it’s tailor-made for Rai. Those tight fairways and small greens? That’s his jam.

Sure, Putnam might not be the longest hitter out there, but who needs distance when you’ve got precision? He’s going to own those fairways. So, keep your eyes peeled, folks. With Putnam’s finesse and Rai’s rising talent, they’re definitely ones to watch at Colonial!

Andrew Novak ($6,300)

It has been quite a journey for Andrew Novak. At the start of the season, he had a bit of a rocky road, missing his first three cuts. But man, did he bounce back strong! Since then, he’s been on fire, making nine out of ten cuts, with the last six being smooth sailing. Talk about turning things around!

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Novak’s not just making cuts, he’s making waves on the Tour. Ranked 32nd in SG: Approach and 18th in Tee-to-Green, this guy’s got some serious game. And yet, his price this week? Seems like a total steal considering his stats.

Last year, he made his debut at Colonial and landed a tie for 40th place. Not bad at all for a rookie, right?

So, keep your eyes on Novak. With his recent streak, impressive stats, and love for the game, he’s definitely one to root for at Colonial this year!

Troy Merritt ($5,400)

He has been on a nice run lately. Made his last three stroke-play cuts and get this – he even snagged a top-10 finish at the Byron Nelson. Talk about making moves!

Now, here’s where Merritt really shines: his accuracy off the tee. This guy knows how to find the fairway, no doubt about it. Plus, he’s a master at handling those short par-4s, giving him a leg up on the competition.

Oh, and let’s not forget about his track record here. Three years ago, he made some noise, tying for seventh place. Not too shabby, huh?

So, here’s the deal. Merritt’s looking pretty solid this week. With his recent form, pinpoint accuracy, and past success at this course, I’d say he’s definitely one to keep an eye on. Wouldn’t be surprised if he makes the cut and then some!

 

 

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