Former TCU golfer J.J. Henry to become active leader in consecutive starts at Colonial
J.J. Henry is expected to become the active leader in consecutive starts when the Colonial is played next month.
Henry received an invite to this year’s tournament and is scheduled to make his 19th straight start at the Charles Schwab Challenge. The TCU product and Fort Worth resident has played in every event since his debut in 2002.
Henry’s best finish is a T22 in 2009. He finished tied for 27th last year, one of six tournaments in which he made the cut out of 22 starts last season.
Henry will take the label of leader in consecutive active starts from 2006 champion Tim Herron, who is not expected to receive an invite. (Players who won the event before 2000 received a lifetime exemption while winners from the 2000 tournament and on receive a five-year exemption.)
Herron had played in 21 straight Colonials from 1999-2019 and has more than $1.6 million in career earnings from the tournament.
Keith Clearwater, who won his debut Colonial in 1987, has played in every tournament except 2010. He made 23 consecutive starts from 1987-2009, and has played in the last nine. He’s scheduled to play in this year’s event as well.
Other TCU products in the field include Tom Hoge and Franklin Corpening.
Another notable local addition is Colleyville resident Chad Campbell. Campbell, a West Texas native, had made 17 consecutive starts from 2002-18, but he didn’t receive an invitation last year.
Campbell’s best finish is a runner-up in 2004, finishing one stroke behind champion Steve Flesch. Campbell tied the course record with a 9-under 61 during the third round in 2004.
Along with the locals in the 144-man field (champions before 2000 do not count against the 144-man limit), the Colonial has a loaded field to date. Six of the top 10 golfers, including No. 1 Rory McIlroy, as well as players such as Phil Mickelson, have committed to the event.
The Colonial will be the first PGA Tour event to since the sports world shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. Tournament rounds are scheduled June 11-14.
This story was originally published May 16, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
