Russell Henley secured the Charles Schwab Challenge title after winning a tense play-off against Eric Cole, sealing a sixth PGA Tour victory. Both players finished on 12-under at Colonial, where Henley’s late birdie run forced extra holes and denied Cole a first PGA Tour win after 120 career starts.
The contest swung several times during the final round, with Cole appearing close to the trophy once 2025 champion Ben Griffin fell short of a successful defence. Griffin posted 11-under with a five-under 65, while Alex Smalley and Mac Meissner matched that total after rounds of 68 and 69 respectively.
Henley closed regulation play in style, producing three birdies in a row to complete a three-under 67. That surge pulled Henley alongside Cole at the
top of the Charles Schwab Challenge leaderboard on 12-under, after Cole could manage only an even-par 70 during a pressured final round.
The play-off returned both contenders to Colonial’s 18th hole, where the title came down to putting. Cole missed a birdie chance from 13 feet, leaving the door open. Henley then holed a five-foot putt to claim the Charles Schwab Challenge and add another success to an already strong PGA Tour record.
Henley admitted the decisive putt brought rare nerves, despite long experience on the PGA Tour. "I just kept telling myself, I want to win. I want to make. I want to be here. I want to be hitting these putts and be in contention," said Henley. "This is why I practice hard and, yeah, then to come back to the playoff and do that, I'm still just kind of shaking. That was as nervous as I've been over a putt in my whole life. "
A winner in Fort Worth Russell Henley comes from behind to claim his 6th PGA TOUR win @CSChallengeFW. pic.twitter.com/fD2ekLL5IPPGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 31, 2026
Cole, aged 37, is still chasing a maiden PGA Tour win but drew encouragement from the Charles Schwab Challenge. "I was proud with the way I played," said Cole. "I think I played solid for the most part, I drove the ball pretty well. I just needed to get a shave a shot somewhere. But, yeah, I was proud of the way I played and it's disappointing but I still feel good and happy with the way I played. "
The leading scores from Colonial showed how tight the Charles Schwab Challenge remained through the final day. Henley and Cole shared top spot at 12-under, with Griffin, Smalley and Meissner one stroke back on 11-under, underlining the fine margins that often decide PGA Tour events.
With this Charles Schwab Challenge victory, Henley moves to six PGA Tour titles and further strengthens status among consistent winners. Cole again showed the level needed to contend, while Griffin, Smalley and Meissner all left with top-three finishes after strong closing rounds in demanding conditions at Colonial.
