Scheffler and Spieth withdraw from Charles Schwab Challenge as condensed schedule tightens

The 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge is set to take place from May 28 to 31 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, marking only the second time players will compete on the course following its recent restoration. The tournament, which carries a purse of $9.9 million, will be played on the historic venue originally designed by Perry Maxwell and recently renovated by architect Gil Hanse.

Hanse’s restoration work, completed after the conclusion of play in 2023, involved lowering the majority of the greens and making significant alterations to several par 3 holes to align with Maxwell’s original design intentions. The infrastructure improvements aim to restore the course to its original character while maintaining the strategic demands that have defined the event for decades.

Defending champion Ben Griffin returns to compete for his second career victory at the venue, having secured his first individual title at Colonial last season. He will face a field that includes Ludvig Åberg, Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, and Tony Finau.

Notable absences have reshaped the competitive landscape, with Texas residents Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth withdrawing to rest during a condensed schedule. Both players have regularly competed at Colonial but have opted out to manage fatigue during the upcoming stretch of tournaments. Brooks Koepka also withdrew, having previously intended to play.

Koepka’s omission impacts the Aon Swing 5, a series of events used to determine eligibility for the upcoming Memorial Tournament. With Koepka out, Zach Bauchou, Keith Mitchell, and Tony Finau are now competing for the remaining spots to qualify for the penultimate signature event of the season.