The Charles Schwab Challenge holds one of the most significant places in the history of golf. Its 2024 edition starts from May 23 until May 26. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Emiliano Grillo, and Jordan Spieth are among the top professionals competing in the tournament this weekend, battling to wear a highly coveted Scottish tartan jacket.

Established in 1936, the Colonial Country Club, situated in Fort Worth, Texas, is a legendary golf course that has hosted over 80 years of championship golf. The year 1946 marked the inauguration of its first Colonial National Invitational event. The fact that the course has remained unchanged ever since it hosted the first-ever Charles Schwab Challenge makes it a heritage golf course. The Colonial CC is also popularly known as Ben Hogan’s Alley, and rightfully so!  

The hometown boy’s charm at Colonial

Well, the golf course got its nickname from William Ben Hogan, who is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Hogan was a five-time winner of the Colonial National Invitation and also the hometown boy. Some of his career records include him winning at least 10 PGA Tour events in a year twice: 13 in 1946 and 10 in 1948.

On May 19, 1946, the hometown legend got his first win at the Colonial golf course. He carded a final round of 65. He started a memorable legacy by beating another golfing legend, Sam Snead, by one shot. The following year, Hogan recorded another win. He successfully defended the title and created a memorable start for his colonial legacy. 

Hogan faced a career-threatening accident in 1949 when driving back to his hometown. He and his wife, Valerie, survived a head-on collision with a bus. The accident left Hogan with several fractures and near-fatal blood clots. Even doctors at the time said he might never walk again, let alone play golf. 

However, the accident did not affect the Hawk’s determination to play golf. He shocked and amazed the golf world by returning to the PGA Tour to start the 1950s Los Angeles Open. He tied with Sam Snead over 72 holes but ultimately lost the 18-hole playoff. It was only eleven months after the life-threatening accident. To resume his play, he regained his strength through extensive walking, including golf activities. 

Even with past injuries, Hogan’s Colonial legacy continued to thrive. He won the Colonial National event twice in a row, again in 1952 and 1953. In 1959, Colonial was his last Tour victory; he was 46 years old at the time. That year, he was more like a sentimental pick since had not won an event in almost 6 years. He appeared on his final Tour 53 years ago, in 1971. He was competing at the Houston Champions International Invitational at Champions Golf Club on the Cypress Creek Course. Ultimately, he had to withdraw from the event because of a sprained left knee. He requested a cart to go back to the clubhouse, saying to a friend in the gallery as he left, “Don’t ever get old.”

Dive deeper into the Charles Schwab Challenge venue

Colonial started developing its community in 2001, turning swampland into a thriving community with streets, a golf course, and a community center. The par-72 Championship Golf Course, designed by Gordon Lewis, opened in 2003, followed by the clubhouse and restaurant in 2004. Renovations in 2014 and 2015 enhanced the clubhouse, including an outdoor patio.

Sports facilities include 8 Har-Tru tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, and Bocce Courts, which were added in 2016. The fitness center and pool area offer relaxation, with a major pool renovation in 2016 showcasing Colonial’s commitment to modern services and satisfaction.

This year, experience the grand unveiling of the Gil Hanse Colonial golf course restoration at the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge. Step back in time as the Colonial course recaptures its 1941 U.S. Open glory. The legend is not here to witness the changes, but his name will forever be connected to the roots of Colonial. Let us know your thoughts on this and the upcoming Charles Schwab Challenge in 2024.