On March 26, Fort Worth will commemorate 80 years of the Colonial Country Club’s role in the PGA Tour with a special gathering at Tannahill’s, located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The event, known as The Colonial Celebration: Tribute to 80 Years on Tour, will bring together past champions and supporters to honor the tournament’s rich legacy while raising funds for Fort Worth Colonial Charities.
Evening Program Features Dinner, Networking, and Live Music
Guests attending the Colonial Celebration are expected to dress in Fort Worth dinner attire for an evening filled with social and entertainment activities. The festivities begin with a Signature Sponsor Social from 6 to 7 p.m., offering attendees a chance to mingle with former champions and sponsors. Following this, a seated dinner accompanied by a champagne toast will take place from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
The entertainment segment, featuring a live performance by the Jordan Kahn Music Company’s Manhattan Orchestra, will run from 8:15 to 10 p.m., providing a festive conclusion to the night.
Notable Past Champions to Attend Anniversary
Several distinguished past winners have confirmed their attendance, including Lanny Wadkins, Dave Stockton, and Bruce Devlin. Devlin’s presence will be particularly meaningful as he celebrates the 60th anniversary of his own victory, often referred to as triumphing on Hogan’s Alley. These appearances highlight the tournament’s enduring connection to its golf legends.
Sponsorships Support Community Initiatives Through Fort Worth Colonial Charities
The celebration offers various sponsorship opportunities for businesses and supporters, including premium Signature sponsor packages priced at $12,500. These packages include seating for eight with a past champion and guest, sponsor gifts, dinner, drinks, and valet parking. Table sponsorships at a level of $6,000 include seating for ten, meals, beverages, and valet services. All proceeds will aid the Fort Worth Colonial Charities, which work closely with the tournament’s community outreach efforts.
Historical Significance of the Colonial National Invitation Tournament
The Colonial National Invitation Tournament began on May 16, 1946, quickly becoming one of the PGA Tour’s longest-standing events. Fort Worth native Ben Hogan won the inaugural event with a total score of 279, edging out Harry Todd by one stroke and Fred Haas by two. Hogan’s final round 65 was remarkable, tying the existing course record and holding as a standard for 24 years.
The tournament’s early years sparked a strong regional rivalry between Dallas and Fort Worth, with Hogan representing the hometown Fort Worth fans and Harry Todd rallying support from Dallas. Hogan’s comeback in the final round, where he birdied holes 11, 12, and 13, secured his victory in a dramatic finish.
Despite its status as a new tournament, the inaugural Colonial featured a top-tier field of professional golfers and boasted a $15,000 prize purse, equivalent to approximately $250,000 today, making it one of the largest on the PGA Tour at that time.
Ben Hogan’s Dominance Helped Establish the Tournament’s Prestige
The 1946 season marked a remarkable period in golf history, with Hogan securing 13 tournament wins. His performance was second only to Byron Nelson’s record 18 victories the previous year, including Nelson’s historic run of 11 consecutive wins. Hogan finished first or second in 20 of the 32 tournaments he entered that season, cementing his dominance and giving the Colonial a memorable start with a hometown champion.
Hogan went on to win the Colonial multiple times, achieving five total victories at the event, including during his celebrated 1953 season when he captured the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open titles.
Looking Ahead to This Year’s Charles Schwab Challenge
The upcoming Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club is scheduled for May 28-31, continuing the tournament’s tradition of top-level competition. Golf fans are encouraged to secure tickets early to experience one of the PGA Tour’s most historic stops, where nearly a century of golf history will be celebrated and extended.
