Once again, the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial generates millions for charity
It doesn’t take much to convince PGA Tour veteran Graeme McDowell to come to Texas — as long as there’s a Torchy’s Tacos nearby. He also doesn’t mind making a trip to Colonial Country Club and Hogan’s Alley.
That, coupled with the PGA Tour’s event in Houston this week, made it easy for McDowell to head to Fort Worth on Monday and play in the Colonial Charities Challenge Pro-Am. It was a celebratory event with the 2021 Charles Schwab Challenge generating more than $13.7 million of charity impact for local organizations.
“One of the phenomenal things about the game of golf is being able to create experiences like this,” said McDowell, who is best known for winning the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
“Secondly, it’s a way to pay back the people here who have treated me so well over the years. I’ve needed a couple of invites and they’ve really looked after me. When I committed to the Houston Open, I told the guys that I could be here for the day. There’s really good people at Colonial.”
McDowell was among 13 professionals who participated in the event. In fact, the event had winners from three of golf’s four majors on hand — McDowell (2010 U.S. Open), Todd Hamilton (2004 British Open) and Charles Coody (1971 Masters).
Other PGA Tour players who attended included locals Ryan Palmer, Tom Hoge and Chad Campbell.
As far as Colonial officials are concerned, it was a successful year from a charity standpoint considering the financial impact the pandemic has had on a number of businesses.
“Coming out of the pandemic where some people lost jobs and some are struggling, we were thrilled to generate that kind of charity dollars,” said Jim Whitten, the Charles Schwab Challenge tournament committee chairman.
“The charities are a who’s who of Fort Worth. This is what we do. We give back. That’s the most important part of what we do.”
The local nonprofit groups secure pledges from friends and businesses for the tournament’s annual “Birdies For Charity” campaign. This year, the PGA Tour professionals made 1,230 birdies during the championship, which was won by Jason Kokrak.
Over the last two decades, Colonial has raised more than $150 million for charities.
“I don’t think we really had any doubt that the charities would generate what they always generate in the $13-15 million range,” said Michael Tothe, tournament director. “These charities are incredible at what they do. They work hard and it is pretty amazing.”
The 2022 Charles Schwab Challenge will be held over Memorial Day weekend once again. Tournament rounds are set for May 26-29.
This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
