Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the upcoming Charles Schwab Challenge, while Wyndham Clark also announced his exit from the event. Their withdrawals come ahead of the tournament set to take place at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
Koepka’s decision means he will miss the opportunity to qualify for next week’s Signature Event at the Memorial Tournament. The five-time major champion recently finished tied for 14th place at TPC Craig Ranch, concluding the week at 18 under par. No official reason has been provided for his withdrawal.
Clark, who recently achieved a remarkable victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with a final-round score of 60, also withdrew from the event. His impressive performance at the CJ Cup saw him finish at 30 under par, three shots ahead of Si Woo Kim.
Event details and historical significance
The Charles Schwab Challenge is one of the oldest tournaments on the PGA Tour, first played in 1946. This year marks the 80th occasion that the Colonial Country Club will host the event, making it the longest-running venue for a regular-season PGA Tour event outside of the majors.
Colonial Country Club is often associated with golfing great Ben Hogan, who won the tournament five times. Hogan’s legacy is celebrated at the course, where a statue was erected in his honour in 1994. The course, measuring 7,289 yards with a par score of 70, is known for its challenging layout, particularly the stretch of holes referred to as the ‘Horrible Horseshoe’.
This week’s tournament will feature 132 players vying for the prestigious tartan jacket. Among those competing is Ben Griffin, the defending champion, who aims to become the first player since Hogan to win back-to-back titles at this event.
Players to watch
Ludvig Åberg is expected to be a key contender, having shown strong form with top-five finishes in five of his last seven events. His performance at the PGA Championship, where he finished tied for fourth, adds to his credentials as a favourite at Colonial.
Justin Thomas, a 16-time PGA Tour winner, is also in the mix, looking to secure a victory after a series of strong finishes. Another player to keep an eye on is Alex Smalley, who has demonstrated consistent performance with several top-25 finishes in recent tournaments.
The total prize fund for the tournament is substantial, with significant rewards for the top finishers. The winner will receive a notable cash prize and valuable FedExCup points, along with a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
Fans can catch the action live, with coverage starting at 1pm on Thursday. The tournament promises to deliver exciting golf as players navigate the challenging Colonial course.
As the field prepares for the Charles Schwab Challenge, the absence of Koepka and Clark adds a layer of intrigue to the competition.
The tournament is set to commence on May 28 and run through May 31.
